It's human nature to resist change. But ee all know it's almost impossible: change is inevitable and you can't run away from it. It's like swimming against the current.
We're all confronted with situations that demand getting out of our comfort zone. A new relationship, changing jobs, moving into a new house, learn something new, getting a new hobby or starting on a new sport are ordinary and everyday scenarios that test our emotions and character.
Change is hard, but looking back, most of the times, none of us would say that it was terrible. Novelty is a positive thing that challenges us and gets us to live or experience something that we would never discover otherwise.
We're currently in a moment of transition and new beginnings. The summer is over, the academic year is just starting, a new sports season is - despite all the limitations - on its way: it's time to put our minds and energy into something new.
There are many advantages to learning a new sport at any age. Children and adults have much to gain, not only physical but also mentally.
Psychological gains
Every sport has a set of rules and techniques that you'll have to master. It's a massive stimulus for our brains. We are obliged to train in order to assimilate new knowledge in a short period of time. This is a great mental exercise that sparks excitement and creativity. As you focus on a totally new subject - say the rules of rugby -, this will require your full attention, switching off from everything else, such as professional worries or stress.
Social gains
Socially you'll also notice some changes: you'll meet new people that, probably, have interests different from yours, thus crossing multiple universes and ideas. This exchange and socialization is a huge benefit as it shakes your routine and exposes you to different realities and information.
Developmental gains
Sports help us develop better ways to cope with the highs and lows of life. When we're playing a sport, we learn to lose. Being a good loser takes maturity, practice, and shows that we can deal with disappointment. Being able to get through a defeat or an unpleasant experience makes us better at dealing with change.
Likewise, you'll also learn to win. Worse than a sore loser is an ungraceful winner. You'll learn to respect your adversaries and appreciate their qualities and strengths: after all, the greater the opponent, the more epic the win.
Emotional gains
Physical activity has shown to stimulate chemicals in the brain that make you feel better. Your mind will thank that change as it will improve your emotional wellbeing.
When you get good at a new sport or learn something, you get better self-esteem. The support of the team, a kind word from a coach, achieving your goals or getting a new personal best will definitely help you to feel better about yourself.
Are you feeling motivated to start something new? Challenge yourself into change, to learn and to be open to new things. The outcome will always be surprising, to say the least!
The same goes for work teams: it's good business practice to challenge your team, to take them out of their comfort zone, as it strengths the bond between team members and makes them better adapted to the natural occurring shifts in everyday life at the office.
At Move Sports, we're experts at creating safe but challenging sports experiences that build trust among co-workers and promote team spirit. Ask us how sports can help your company get to the next level!
