Psychological Benefits of Tennis
For most tennis players, sport psychology is viewed as providing a competitive
advantage through performance enhancement, coping strategies and counseling. This
discipline investigates countless other areas too, including how individuals are
affected by exercise and sport. There are many reasons why tennis is one of the
world's most popular sports. Let's examine some psychological benefits of tennis,
and other sports too. If you aren't playing much lately, or you'd like to motivate
a friend to dust off the old rackets, use this article as doctor's orders to hit
the courts!
Numerous studies document the psychological benefits of sport and exercise. Playing
regular tennis is fun, but we often overlook the many psychological advantages
that enrich not only our experiences on the court, but overall functioning and
competitiveness off the court as well.
Improved Mental Functioning
Studies demonstrate that sports such as tennis are associated with improved academic
performance and memory, and reduced confusion. While playing tennis is unlikely
to raise your IQ or get you into Harvard, it just might provide you the mental
edge to think a little clearer and better manage the chaos of daily life.
Enhanced Emotional Health
Sport and exercise on a regular basis may also provide widespread emotional benefits.
The literature reports greater emotional stability, improved confidence and assertiveness,
more positive body image, fewer phobias, decreased psychotic behavior, reduced
anxiety, less anger, and lower levels of depression. Many psychologists and physicians
prescribe exercise as an adjunct, or main treatment, for a variety of emotional
difficulties.
Improved Physical Functioning
Physical benefits of exercise include fewer headaches, improved sexual satisfaction,
reduced muscular tension, and enhanced perceptions. Physical health usually enhances
well being, contributing to emotional health as well.
More Efficient Behavior
Sports including tennis may also enhance your behavior in a variety of other areas.
Positive associations are reported between sport and overall functioning, self-control,
work efficiency, decreased absenteeism, fewer work errors, and decreased alcohol
abuse. It's no surprise that smart companies invest in their employees' health
with wellness programs, as this increases employee satisfaction and productivity.
How Does It Work?
Why do tennis and other sports appear to have such widespread benefits? While
there are rarely simple answers to complex questions, researchers have pointed
to a number of psychological and physical explanations including increased self-esteem,
self-sufficiency, improved quality of life, distraction from daily hassles, changes
in brain neurotransmitters, increased oxygen consumption, and better blood flow
in the brain.