Sports – the link between a sound mind and body

1. Sports – the link between a sound mind and body

2. We have all heard the saying 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy'.Whoever said this was not exaggerating. Sports and outdoor activities are important, especially for the physical growth and overall development of a child. However, with the advancement of technology in the digital space, easy access to information and entertainment has made the youth of today screen hoggers - they spend a significantly long span of time on the internet and the concept of outdoor activities is endangered.

3. This emerging trend could prove to be extremely detrimental in the long run. A child that spends all his time indoors, or simply glued to a screen, may end with major health issues when they are older. They would also never learn the virtues of sportsmanship - the art of healthy competition in today's highly competitive world. To elaborate further on the virtues of physical activities and sports on young bodies and minds, read the following:

4. Team spirit 1 A child who plays team sports like football, hockey and cricket learns the importance of playing together as a team and develops a healthy inclusive attitude, which is an important lesson for life.

5. Recreation 2 Outdoor games are a source of rejuvenation for the mind as well. Playing sports challenges the mind into solving problems quickly while also developing hand-eye coordination. It can also bring out creativity in kids when they try out new ways of winning. Among indoor games, chess is an activity that can raise a future genius.

6. Physical well being 3 Sports that require intense to light physical activity- ranging from sprinting to badminton and kabaddi, are a fun way to exercise without the monotony of gyms that adults generally face. Outsideactivity is also an ideal way to get vitamin D and to strengthen bones and muscles.

7. Healthy diet for the competitive 4 For the kids who become serious about winning, a healthy diet is imperative. From an early age itself they develop a good idea of what food is good for the body and what is best avoided. During the formative years, carbohydrates and protein rich diets are important but kids also learn to avoid junk food and the importance of veggies on their energy levels.

8. Taking defeat in your stride 5 • Sports teaches you how to deal with losses. It impresses upon a child the significance of not quitting and starting over again. It demonstrates that success and failure go hand in hand and a loss is never the end of the world.

9. In this digitized world, it is important that kids still learn the values of sports for the lessons that outdoor activities teach cannot be learnt on computers and televisions.

10. S O U R C E • www.healthcareathomeindia.com