Physical activity can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. It offers numerous benefits to your physical and mental health, as well as your social relationships with others. Research has found that regular physical activity may have more benefits than you realize, whether you engage in social activities like attending community events or interacting with the people you care about most on a personal level. One study published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology analyzed the social aspects of physical activity.
The social benefits of physical activity include; mood, better sleep, increased feelings of well-being, and improved life satisfaction.
There are so many reasons why people of all ages should participate in physical activity, and here are just some of the social benefits of physical activity.
Social Benefits Of Physical Activity
1. Improve Self-Esteem
Many social benefits of physical activity are very evident—like making new friends and getting to know your community better. But there is also a less obvious but equally important benefit: They can help improve your self-esteem. If you have always had low self-esteem, joining a local sports team can make you feel like part of something greater than yourself.
While improving your physical well-being, sports and exercise can also boost your self-esteem. When you engage in these activities, you feel a sense of camaraderie and belonging—because it’s through your participation in sports that you forge social connections. And once those connections are formed, they can make all kinds of benefits of physical activity manifest themselves—including improved self-confidence.
Improved self-esteem, can be triggered when you connect with others who share your passion for physical activity. That is because sports teams or exercise groups allow you to make friends and forge stronger social connections that can have a positive impact on your relationships—and even help you boost your career.
2. Improved Mood
Social benefits are a big reason why physical activity is good for us. Whether we are working out with our friends or enjoying a brisk walk in the park, exercise allows us to take a break from whatever it is we normally do all day and recharge our minds and bodies. Exercise also has documented mental health benefits as well—for one thing, studies show that regular workouts can increase feelings of self-esteem and mood.
A recent study from Florida State University found that even a single brisk ten-minute walk improved both self-esteem and mood for up to two hours afterward. This same study also showed that walking outdoors in nature helped increase participants’ positive moods more than walking indoors or on an indoor track, suggesting that there may be benefits to connecting with our natural surroundings.
Studies have shown that physical activity can improve mood for up to two hours after just one ten-minute walk. Walking in nature has also been shown to increase positive moods, compared to walking indoors or on a track.
3. Improves Sleep Quality
Lack of sleep is linked to mental and physical health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and depression. Physical activity can help improve sleep quality by exercising tired muscles, reducing stress levels, and improving overall mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day for improved sleep quality.
It is recommended that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep per night, however many people struggle to achieve that. 40% of Americans report having at least one symptom of insomnia and 20% have three or more symptoms. Improving your sleep quality may be as simple as increasing your physical activity levels.
4. Helps With Depression
A study published in Psychological Medicine found that physical activity is associated with lower levels of depression among older adults. Regular exercise also boosts mood and confidence and can help you stick to a healthier diet, which, in turn, may improve your mental well-being. Take up aerobic activities such as cycling, swimming, or running for better emotional health. Physical activity releases endorphins—feel-good hormones and helps de-stress from a stressful day at work.
Several studies have established that physical activity has social benefits such as helping people better their relationships with other people. Researchers from Hong Kong’s Baptist University and China’s Southwestern University of Finance and Economics investigated how high levels of physical activity affect adolescents’ social relationships. They found that teenagers who spent most of their time exercising enjoyed closer friendships and more social support than those who led a sedentary lifestyle.
Check more: What Are the Benefits of EAA Supplements?
A study published in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that women who took up physical activity after undergoing breast cancer treatment had better social support than those who didn’t. Researchers from Harvard University, Boston University, and other institutions evaluated a group of patients who underwent lumpectomy for early-stage breast cancer. They found that women participating in an exercise program reported less depression and higher levels of social support than women receiving usual care only.
5. Help Reduce Anxiety And Stress
In today’s society, it can be difficult to disconnect from our surroundings and relax. This makes dealing with anxiety and stress even more challenging. To relieve some of that stress, you should engage in some physical activity every day. Exercising helps reduce anxiety and is one of many social benefits of physical activity. For example, studies have shown that women who exercise tend to feel less stressed than those who don’t get their daily workout in.
Anxiety and stress are prevalent issues for people all over the world. To reduce anxiety and stress, you should exercise daily. When we work out, our bodies release chemicals known as endorphins. These chemicals make us feel better by helping us relax while also reducing pain levels in our bodies. This is one of many social benefits of physical activity that have been shown to improve overall health.
According to a study done at Southern Methodist University, women who exercise tend to feel less stressed than those who do not get their daily workout in. So if you want to feel less anxious, try going for a quick run before work or signing up for a yoga class after dinner.
6. Strengthens Relationships
Exercising regularly offers several benefits that can strengthen relationships, from improving mental well-being to fostering better physical health. Not only does regular exercise improve self-confidence and mood, but it also increases opportunities for social interaction. As you get more active, you will spend more time with other like-minded individuals who share your passion for physical activity.
Exercise also offers a lot of benefits to your social life. Several studies have found that exercise improves mental well-being. One 2008 study in particular found that fitness levels are a predictor of happiness and that happier people are more likely to engage in physical activity. In short, going for a run or lifting weights might just make you happier! Because it increases self-confidence and self-esteem, regular exercise can help build stronger relationships with family members, friends, and loved ones.
READ: Exercise vs Physical Activity; Does It Mean The Same Thing?
I believe the topic “What Are The Social Benefits Of Physical Activity” has given insight into the social benefits of physical activity.
Related Posts
Exercise vs Physical Activity; Does It Mean The Same Thing?
List Of Physical Activities In School
5 Physical Activities for Students Who Have No Gym in Their Dorm
10 Ways How Employers Can Reduce Stress in the Workplace
13 Safe Exercise Routines You Should Always Practice
10 Safety Rules for Soccer Players
