New study shows participating in sports can offset stress and contribute to academic success

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What You Need To Know!

• A new study from the University of Waterloo found that participating in sports and fitness classes before the pandemic was linked to lower stress levels and higher perceived competence to handle challenges during COVID-19 lockdowns.
• The study used self-reported responses from 116 students who were active in campus recreational sports before and after lockdowns.
• The researchers suggest that participation in campus recreational activities can help develop key skills such as adaptability that can help manage pandemic-related setbacks.

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Good news, everyone! A recent study from the University of Waterloo found that participating in sports and fitness activities before the pandemic helped lower stress levels and increase perceived competence to handle challenges during COVID-19 lockdowns.

The study surveyed 116 students who were active in campus recreational sports before and after lockdowns, and the researchers believe the observed effect was strong enough to be applicable in future periods of societal disruption.

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Steven Mock, a researcher in the department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, said, “Our findings suggest that the impact of campus recreational activities on reducing stress went beyond the obvious physical health benefits and contributed to overall well-being even down the line.”

The study also found that graduate and international students had low participation in campus recreational sports before the pandemic, which has wellness implications for these groups.

So, if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed during these challenging times, consider participating in sports or fitness activities to develop key skills that can help you manage pandemic-related setbacks and improve your overall well-being.

As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “I always believe in going hard at everything, whether it is Latin or mathematics, boxing or football.”

Source: goodnewsnetwork.org