It is a well known fact that playing tennis is extremely good for your physical health. Added to this the fact that just about anybody can play the sport makes it very attractive.
Whole families can go to their local clubs or parks and enjoy a day out together socialising and keeping fit. Many Australian clubs such as Tennis World Rushcutters Bay actively encourage social tennis.
The game has also been called a Stress Buster and has developed this tag for a variety of reasons.
The Benefits of Exercise
There is a widely held belief that physical exercise leads to the production of endorphins in the brain that are subsequently released into the body. This all adds up to natural pain and stress relievers and promoting a feeling of well-being, euphoria and invigoration.
There is also a school of thought that exercising serves as a welcome distraction from the stress of everyday life, such stresses and worries are forgotten about when playing as you are concentrating on beating your opponent.
Because tennis is a forgiving sport in relation to giving multiple opportunities by the unique scoring system, this constantly gives you hope and optimism. With multiple ways to approach the game, such as simply rallying without scoring, doing drills or playing different forms of the game like doubles, you can feel more in control of your tennis session because of the variety of options available.
Social Benefits To Tennis
As just about anybody can play tennis from the young to the old, male or female, doctor or council worker, in fact any creed or colour.
This melting pot and variety of social tennis offers many emotional benefits to all. It can bring families closer together and strengthen the bond. It can also assist socially inhibited people meet new friends from all walks of life. Playing tennis can also bring ages together where there is a common bond and understanding.
Other Mental Health Benefits
There are several other emotional and mental health benefits that flow on from physical activity.
- Improved alertness
The negative effect of stress and tiredness on concentration and memory can be negated with exercise and in some cases boosted.
- Better regulation of serotonin
Serotonin is widely accepted to help sleep, appetite and libido thus improving mood and feelings of wellness, keeping depression at bay.
- Increased calmness and relaxation
This is achieved as vigorous exercise can decrease muscle tension.
- Enhanced body image and self-esteem
Regular exercise can lead to positive changes in the body, boosting self-perception and self-confidence. There are all the other health implications of having a healthier lifestyle.
Really tennis does bring a host of benefits both physical, emotional and psychological and has proven that people who play regularly have a more positive outlook.
So there are plenty of incentives to pick up a racket, head to your local club and start playing tennis.
