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Sport is cathartic no matter which game you play. It has the power to change your body, your mind, your attitude, and your mood.
Sport changes your mind, body, and soul for good – the benefits are endless.
At rebel, we believe in the transformative power of sport. Whether you’re 5 or 55 taking part in sports extends beyond physical fitness. It can improve your mental well-being, transform and lift your spirits, and empower you to overcome almost any of life’s obstacles.
It isn’t just the elation you feel courtside after a 10-0 win (though there’s nothing like that post-win pride high), the transformative magic lies in its ability to break down barriers, unite communities, and shift your perspective on life.
We know Australia is a great sporting nation, it’s in our blood. But sadly, we are also one that struggles with mental health and loneliness issues. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, an estimated 1 in 3 Australians report feeling lonely and 1 in 5 Australians aged 16–85 experienced a mental disorder in the previous 12 months.
Although it’s not a cure-all, Health Direct suggests those who participate regularly in sports and physical activity are said to have better mental health and emotional well-being and lower rates of mental illness. It’s also a powerful weapon against chronic disease, reducing the risk of illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.
If you need a reminder of why movement can be so transformative, here are some of the known mind-body benefits.
Sport can… make you happier
If you’ve ever hit the gym or gone for a run, you’d be all too familiar with the euphoric feeling that follows. This happiness effect is the result of exercise. When we exercise it triggers the release of our body’s natural mood-boosting chemicals (endorphins and serotonin), improving our mood, self-esteem and promoting a more relaxed and positive state of mind.
But the power of sport and movement isn’t just about feeling good in the moment, it can seriously benefit our mental health long-term. It can act as a natural treatment to combat stress and may even alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
A 2018 study from the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health found consistent evidence that participating in a team sport is associated with improved social and psychological health, regardless of the type of sport they play, their age, or mental health problem.
Sport can… improve self-confidence
From nailing a one-pass touch challenge, to setting a new PB in the pool, the sense of progress or accomplishment when you’ve mastered a skill or achieved a fitness milestone can do wonders for your self-esteem and confidence.
Sport can… bring opportunities to socialise
Joining sports clubs and teams provides ample opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. When you are part of a team, it allows you to be part of something bigger than yourself. It helps foster meaningful connections and friendships within the community, an in-built support system if you like, creating a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Sport can… be a welcomed distraction
Whether you're heading out for a run to get your head back in the game or playing a friendly match of tennis, sport can serve as a constructive and enjoyable distraction from negative thoughts and rumination.
Focusing on the game or physical activity and maintaining a routine can help you break away from mental stressors and improve mental clarity by creating a sense of purpose and stability.
Sport can… make you sleep better
It’s no secret that sleep affects your mood. So if more sleep is what you need, being active could be your answer. Research suggests regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise) can have many advantages for sleep quality once your head hits the pillow.
It can help you fall asleep faster, allow you to have deeper and more restful sleep phases, and as an added bonus, can leave you feeling more energised when you wake.
Stronger together in sport
Mental health is not only a team sport, but also a universal human right. And the more we all work together, the healthier and happier we all will be.
That’s why rebel has joined forces as a principal partner with Lifeline Australia to communicate the benefits of sport and exercise for boosting mental health and suicide prevention, while raising funds to go towards the important work they do.
Sport is calling.
If you, or someone you know, is in crisis or in need of support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days).
*The information on this site is not medical advice. It is generic and does not take into account your personal circumstances, physical wellbeing, mental status or mental requirements. Any medical questions should be referred to a qualified healthcare professional.