Just as philosophy and the arts help develop the intellectual, spiritual and emotional aspects of ourselves, sports help us develop the physical. We need balance of mind, body and spirit to feel and function at our best.

Playing sports helps much more than in the physical aspects. It builds character, teaches strategic thinking, analytical thinking, leadership skills, goal setting and risk taking to name a few. And those are just the non-physical aspects!

The ancient Greeks, who brought us philosophy and the arts, also took sport seriously. They encouraged mostly boys and men to develop strong, fit and graceful bodies. They would even meet and compete in running, jumping, discus and javelin throwing competitions (the Olympic games).Girls also engaged in physical activity but not to the extent the boys did, nor did they compete in the games.

How do sports and physical activity help us today?

Participating in sports/physical activity develops the 5 components of fitness, which are: strength, speed, skill, stamina and flexibility.

When we are under stress from personal problems, work pressures and anxiety, apart from the fitness benefits, exercise through playing sports helps release pressure and tension in a healthy and controlled way.

Benefits of engaging in sports or physical activity:

• Sports are fun
• Heightens sense of overall well being
• Improves sleep patterns and levels of anxiety
• Clears the mind
• Develops motor skills and mind/body connection
• Staves off depression
• Reduces risk of many diseases

In order to continue to develop and take care of every aspect of ourselves, as well as attending to the mind and spirit, we must attend to the physical - our bodies.


Read the article Success In Sports and In Life.