Hobbies are important, they give a person a sense of belonging and a purpose. Human beings need something to fill up their time outside of work. Sports have always played a key role in my life. I can remember my parents waking me up early in the morning on a Saturday to get me ready for a game. The smell of the grass and fresh cut oranges still linger in the air as I reminisce about those days. Softball specifically I have played most of my life and in fact it is still something I play to this day. Being on a team builds confidence and gives you a sense of purpose; it has helped mold me into the person I am today, it is also a great workout. This sport has supported me mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Incredibly the History of Softball, was not invented as a copy of baseball. In 1887, this sport was created at Farragut Boat Club in Chicago, IL. While the members were waiting for the score of a Harvard vs. Yale football. When they finally got the score which was 17-8 a Yale fan through an old boxing glove at the Harvard fan, who by chance happened to hit it with a broomstick. As the years progressed, the rules have changed and evolved, and it is what we know as it is today. Softball has always supported my mental health every time I am on that field all my worries and cares have fallen by the wayside. There are so many studies done and proven that sports have significantly improved a player's mental health and stamina.
These are the top 5 Health & Physical Benefits From Playing Softball, one is body condition, two increase flexibility, three improves mental health, four develops leadership skills, and boosts self-esteem. Concepts that I want to discuss are the improvement of mental health and boosting self-esteem. In the article, 5 Health & Physical Benefits From Playing Softball,the release of endorphins during exercise can help improve your mood, reduce stress, and enhance your overall mental clarity. Furthermore, as a team sport, softball gives the ability to build friendships. While us as humans are very social creatures this is something we subconscious/consciously long for. Working together as a team and trusting each other to complete the play can help reduce stress and help us deal with everyday stressors. Additionally, boosting self-esteem is developed because you learn to trust in yourself and each other to reach the common goal of the team. Being able to catch a pop fly or hit a home run makes me feel like the hero of the game. I know it sounds silly but the feeling you get when you stop a play or score a point makes me feel like I am an asset to the team.
On the final note, softball has been a lifetime hobby of mine. I enjoy playing every Sunday. The Arizona heat can make it a little unbearable, but we push through. Playing softball has done wonders for boosting my self-esteem and has improved my mental health. Team building is a wonderful way to support one another. Playing on a team can also help you decompress from a busy work week and help you build trust within yourself and your team.
Hello Corina,
ReplyDeleteI appreciated what you said about how hobbies can give us a sense of purpose and belonging because I feel the same way. I too, can remember even 10 years later exactly how my home studio felt, smelled like, the feeling of the jazz floor on the cement, etc. I feel like these memories are tied to a lot of nostalgia, and hobbies are a perfect way to make these memories.
Thank you!
Hello Corina, I agree with what you said about how sports benefit us in so many ways. The more we are active the less stress we tend to carry with us throughout the day. It is always good for our bodies to stay active because we gain so many benefits from it.
ReplyDeleteHi Corina, I enjoyed reading your post I liked how you mentioned that humans need something to fill their time outside of work. I think that statement is true many of us can start to just put our time and focus into our jobs. Instead of different and new activities that we can enjoy outside of work.
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