– Sumit Tomar –
Nowadays, the education system makes the students more stressful in their school which effects their mental development due to which they stay away from the physical activities completely. The overall outcome of this type of schooling is that the upcoming groups of graduates and professionals are having weak bodies and poor physique.Moreover the lifestyle followed by children these days makes them inactive and they spent most of their time in watching television, computer and playing video games. Schools should include sports in their curriculum with academics as it helps to built one’s character and personality. Playing sports create strong friendships by bringing students from different schools, communities and backgrounds together. Sports and academic learning complement each other as it helps in time management. The key is finding a balance.
We can also say that they replicate the two sides of the same coin. If sports education is carried out as guide with the academic curriculum, then the personality of the students themselves is increased. Sports are not played only to learn how to maintain the physical stamina, but also to learn the habit of discipline and determination to win.
Playing sports alongwith the studies comes in the all-round development of the student. Sports scholarships can be offered to children with poorer background to give them motivation and self confidence. In sports you learn how to deal with competition and how to cope-up with both winning and losing. This kind of balanced learning process highlights the impact of physical education on the child’s social, mental and moral development in addition to physical skills.
A good sportsman always learns some qualities like leadership maintaining teamwork and team spirit. Sports train the students to face defeat with a smile and maintain the difference even in victory. It also makes our mind healthy by justifying the statement, “a sound mind resides only in a sound body”. There are various benefits of playing sports like:
Healthy Heart – Cardiovascular health improves as the heart pumps more blood. It reduces the chances of heart attacks and cardiac diseases.
Reduces Obesity – Obesity is a big issue in today’s children because of the type of food they consume. Engaging in physical activities will help to burn the fat and calories. Students who are regular players of any sports are naturally fitter and healthier as compared to others.
Improves Immunity – Indulging in regular exercise and sports makes the body immune to many diseases. Playing sports results in sweat production that may remove toxins.
Makes bones stronger – It helps to maintain bone density and strength. Sports help to reduce the chances of osteoporosis.
Increases Energy – A person will become stronger and active which will help him to achieve goal faster.
Live Longer – The chances to live longer increases by 10 percent. The risk of chronic diseases is lower among physically active people.
Teaches Teamwork – Playing for a common goal with different players, coaches and members helps to communicate well and play effectively.
Helps to build leadership skills – A player is surrounded by competitive team and role models while playing. His decision making skills and actions are improved while competing
Sports reduce stress & depression – Sports reduces the levels of stress hormones in our body. At the same time, it stimulates production of endorphins which are some natural mood lifters that can keep us away from stress and depression.
Sports improve sleep habits – Sports and some other forms of regular physical activities improve the quality of sleep. Sleeping better can improve our mental outlook for the next day, as well as improve our mood because a relaxed mind is a rejuvenated one.
Boosts our self-confidence – Regular exercise while playing sports can boost-up confidence due to which a person is motivated to give his best. Strength, skills, and stamina increase through playing sports, which improves self-image as well.
Sports should be introduced in schools with complete sincerity. A healthy and strong body is not possible without sports and physical activities. There is a famous saying that “All work and no play make jack a dull boy”, so make sure that your child doesn’t become the next jack with a dull personality.
____________
About the Author
Sumit Tomar
Author & Educationist
The author is Director of Vedas International School one of the iconic residential schools located at Sohna, Gurugram amidst the purest vicinity of nature.
Disclaimer : The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of INVC NEWS.
