Sports and Activities

"Sport is where an entire life can be compressed into a few hours, where the emotions of a lifetime can be felt on an acre or two of ground, where a person can suffer and die and rise again on six miles of trails through a New York City park. Sport is a theater where sinner can turn saint and a common man become an uncommon hero, where the past and the future can fuse with the present. Sport is singularly able to give us peak experiences where we feel completely one with the world and transcend all conflicts as we finally become our own potential." ~ George A. Sheehan, Sports Writer, America.

George A. Sheehan has beautifully captured the essence of engaging in physical tasks like sports in our life. In fact, the importance of sports goes beyond physical growth and development of body. Sports just like academics plays a crucial role in developing the inherent potential in our personality. Many times, it happens that parents discourage students from participating in sports activities in college and schools, just because they're afraid that the valuable time of students will be wasted in playing sports. However, the truth is far from that. Sports is always one of the best recreation activities that a student can participate in. Not only sports fosters physical growth, it also favors psychological development. There are numerous things to learn from engaging in sports activity.

Value of Sports in Life

The concept of sports and games have been in existence since the inception of mankind. We all know the famous proverb, 'all work and no play makes jack a dull boy'. Even thousands of years ago, there were various outdoor activities like hunting, shooting, archery, wrestling, running and mountain climbing that were an integral part of every civilization. It is important for us to participate in routine exercises, games and sports, as they have various advantages that have been discussed further.

Improved Physical Health
Being physically active helps in the proper growth of human body. For a child, playing is absolutely important, as movements in the hands, legs and body foster the growth of cognitive skills. Sports activity build muscle power, increase physical endurance and develop stamina.

Improved Focus
Games and sports develop a killer instinct in an individual and they also improve focus and concentration. Sports acts as a stress buster during exams and it helps in improved blood circulation, enhances feeling of well-being and helps in maintaining concentration and focus. Besides helping you tone your muscles, variety of sports help you to develop focus and concentration.

Increased Self-confidence
High self-esteem is a valuable personality trait and if it is inculcated in students at an early age, it plays a great role in growth and development of the personality. Sports must be at the top in the list of hobbies of an individual, as it develops various qualities in the personality of an individual.

Effective Time Management
Students who play and study by dividing their time effectively learn the art of time management. Even in the sports field, one develops qualities of taking quick decisions that foster the habit of managing time effectively.

Certainly, games seem to be a great option for enjoying life and staying healthy. In the recent years, extreme sports have evolved to become a popular form of sports. However, extreme sports may not be possible for everyone. But certainly other activities as mentioned in the list of different recreational activities can be practiced by almost everyone of us, by taking out some time from daily chores of living.