Sports and Physical and Mental Health

Physical Education and Sports Day is held annually on October 26th to familiarize society with the importance and effects of exercise in individual and social life, to disseminate, develop, and promote sports at home and in the family, and to guide and direct society towards public sports. Exercise and physical activity are also effective in mental health. Studies show that cases of depression, anxiety, etc. have improved due to physical activity, and exercise has been accepted as a supportive factor in the treatment of mental illness. Exercise and physical activity, along with a proper diet, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, and periodic check-ups, play a role in preventing diseases and achieving the highest level of health and economic and social efficiency. Physical inactivity is a major underlying cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability. Initial information from WHO (World Health Organization) research on risk factors indicates that inactivity, or a sedentary lifestyle, is one of the top 10 causes of death and disability worldwide. Misconceptions about physical activity 1- Physical activity is expensive. It requires equipment, shoes, and special clothing. Sometimes you have to pay to exercise. Physical activity can be done anywhere and without any equipment. Moving furniture, wood, books, and children as supplementary physical activity is equivalent to climbing stairs. Walking, as an activity that is done more than anything else and is also recommended more than anything else, is completely independent of these items. Most urban areas have parks, fountains, or sidewalks ideal for walking, running, or exercising and playing. There is no need to go to a gym, swimming pool, or other sports venues for this. 2- My schedule is very busy. Physical activity takes a lot of time. At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day is recommended to improve and maintain health. Of course, this does not mean stopping physical activity after half an hour. You can combine most activities with everyday tasks such as work, school, home, or play and recreation. You can do most activities with your daily affairs: 10 minutes of brisk walking, 3 times a day, or 20 minutes in the early morning and 10 minutes during the day. Even if you are very busy, you can still add 30 minutes of activity to your schedule. 3- Children are naturally very active and do not need sports activities. There is no need to spend time and energy teaching them about physical activity. They are active enough. Recent studies on children around the world have shown that they are becoming inactive in poor urban areas. The time and resources spent on teaching them sports are cut off, and computer games and television replace their active recreation. It is estimated that in many developed and developing countries, more than 2/3 of young people do not have enough physical activity. Insufficient physical activity in children can have long-term consequences on health. Regular physical activity provides many physical, mental, and social benefits for young people. Being active can potentially help young people and children have healthy bones, muscles, and joints. It regulates body weight and reduces fat and provides effective heart and lung function. Play, sports, and other physical activities give young people the opportunity to express themselves, believe in themselves, and experience success and collective cooperation. They also help prevent anxiety and depression. Physical activity patterns acquired in childhood and adolescence last longer throughout life and are the basis for an active and healthy life. Author: Dr. Habibollah Hamedian http://frwo.ir/default.aspx