Using Sport to Combat Depression

Studies conducted by the Mayo Clinic have shown that there is a definite link between physical inactivity and depression. Physical inactivity does not necessarily cause depression but it can exacerbate the symptoms of it. It is therefore a vicious cycle – you become depressed and so you do not exercise and then you become more depressed and so on. The problem, for most people, is that exercise is simply not fun. Although most people understand that exercise is vital to good health, a lot of people just really cannot drag themselves to gym every day.

Gym, however, is not the only alternative when it comes to exercise. In fact, one area that all exercise pundits manage to agree on, no matter what discipline they follow, is that exercise should be something fun and something that you enjoy doing. A great way to get in some exercise that you enjoy is by playing sport. With the number of indoor sports available at Salisbury Super Sports to you, you are bound to find at least one that you enjoy.

There are several benefits to playing sport for those who are depressed and these can often outweigh those offered by a gym. Sport is a social event – you interact with your team members and become an integral part of the team. This is really good for someone who is depressed as they often feel very disconnected from the world in general. Having a team that relies on them is more likely to motivate a depressed person to leave the house and so they are less likely to stay isolated from other people.

The physical benefits of the sport depend largely on the type of sport played and the intensity at which you play. Obviously, a professional sports match is a lot more difficult than then a simple casual game so you should choose a team that matches your own sporting abilities and level of fitness. If you have been a couch potato for the last thirty years, you do not want to start with a highly intense sport – being hopelessly left behind during indoor sports can leave you feeling even more depressed. Still, get moving and enjoy some form of sport – perhaps consider forming a sport’s team with your colleagues and challenge other departments or companies to fun matches.

At the end of the day, sports provide a fun and interesting way to exercise and so is a great way to help you combat depression. Start thinking about what sport you enjoy and see if you are able to find a suitable sports outlet.

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