Make Playing Sports Your New Year GOAL!
Written by our Ambassador Neive Wright
The author Neive Wright
Mental wellbeing encompasses how we feel, how we are coping with daily life or what feels possible at the moment (1 Mind, 2023). It is something that we need to look after, as poor mental wellbeing can make it more difficult to manage our day-to-day activities. And, with the New Year already upon us, it’s the perfect time to discuss the benefits of physical activity on mental wellbeing, particularly through engaging in sports.
Hi, my name is Neive, and I play hockey. As someone who has experienced the positive impact of sports first-hand, I want to share with you the benefits of physical activity and how it can transform both body and mind. I’ve witnessed the power of sport, not just in my own life but in the lives of my teammates and friends. Research supports this, showing that participation in sports—whether at the community or even elite level—offers significant mental health benefits. It can boost psychological wellbeing, improving self-esteem and life satisfaction, while also reducing feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress 2.
Particularly for me, hockey has served as a vital outlet. Throughout my time at university and now in the workplace, hockey has allowed me to ‘let my hair down’ (though it’s always tied back in a ponytail) and channel my frustrations into something positive – like chasing and smashing a plastic ball into a goal. Having an outlet like this has been crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, offering a break from my daily pressures and provides me a chance to recharge both mentally and physically.
Beyond this, hockey has also allowed me to make life-long friends and lead an active social life. Creating a much-needed sense of belonging and strengthening my communication and team-working skills. These benefits highlight just how impactful an active lifestyle can be.
With so many benefits to both mental and physical wellbeing, there’s no better time than now to make playing sports a part of your routine. Whether you’re chasing a ball, running laps, or simply trying something new, taking that first step could lead to a healthier, happier you this year.
Hockey Clubs
If you’d like to try your hand at hockey, there are many clubs around East Kent, including:
Canterbury hockey club – canterburyhockeyclub.co.uk
Cliftonville hockey club – cliftonvillehockey.co.uk
Herne Bay – hernebayhockeyclub.com
Or you could search for your local club via the England Hockey website: englandhockey.co.uk/play/find-a-club
References:
1 Mind. (August, 2023). How To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing. mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/wellbeing/
2 Eather, N., Wade, L., Pankowiak, A. et al. The impact of sports participation on mental health and social outcomes in adults: a systematic review and the ‘Mental Health through Sport’ conceptual model. Syst Rev 12, 102 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-023-02264-8
