There's no denying that playing sports is good for your health and helps extend your life expectancy. However, some students wonder if, for the duration of their studies, playing sports might be wasting valuable time they could have devoted to learning. It's all a question of balance, of course, but there seems to be no doubt: playing sports increases your chances of success.
Research on the reconciliation of sport and studies has been accumulating for several years and all agree in concluding that the earlier one engages in physical activity, the more one's learning abilities will be developed. The benefits would be even greater in the case of team sports. One learns more about working in a group and imagining strategies, qualities sought in all fields. It seems that the student will have an easier time finding work at the end of his studies and even succeeding in his internships.
In fact, the mind of a student engaged in sports would learn to adapt to various situations. This would facilitate problem solving, even in mathematics, although it is difficult to see an obvious connection. Whether the sport is practiced alone or in a team, it sooner or later leads to certain successes that improve self-esteem and confidence in one's abilities.
Of course, for students participating in high-level sports, it's a different story. When you're dealing with high-caliber competition and long training hours, the time you devote to studying will be affected. Many major institutions are aware of this reality and offer programs tailored to elite athletes so they can make up for lost time after participating in a major sporting event. Everyone benefits from the situation, since the prestige of a victory or a trophy reflects on the institution that hosts the student athlete.
Every coin has a flip side, and sports are no exception. Some sports, such as rugby, skiing, or even cycling, carry the risk of injury that can jeopardize academics. Concussions, for example, are a nightmare for student athletes. There's a risk of losing concentration for months, as well as memory and attention spans. Difficulties and setbacks, however, are part of life's learning curve. Learning to overcome serious obstacles often allows you to emerge stronger and bigger.
Of course, it's not necessary to practice extreme sports while studying. Not all students are necessarily drawn to physical activity. Swimming or cycling in the countryside are very healthy and help clear the mind. Simply walking is also very good for helping you think calmly and solve problems.
Research shows that exercise promotes learning in addition to its health benefits. So, it might be a good idea to engage in a physical activity that suits your interests.
