When we talk about sports and games, we talk about physical benefits like stamina, muscle improvement and creative thinking. Did you know that from sports and games you are able to shape your creative thinking? Yes, sports help the brain make quick decision for great impact. Physical and mental sports help in cognitive growth, improve mental well-being and enhance brain function for all ages.
Impacts of sports and games for brain development.
Thinking level capacity is really going down especially to young children especially those born in 21st Century. The truth behind this scenario is that most of the parents especially in Africa prohibit their children from engaging in sports and games. Little do they know that sports help to boost academic performance and enlighten their children with positive thoughts. Among the impacts for sports and games in the 21st century include the following.
-
Improve blood flow to the brain: As you engage in physical activities, your metabolic rate increases leading to increased supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain cells. This help improve alertness, concentration and mental sharpness.
- Boost neuroplasticity: Engaging in sports and games help in growth of new brain cells and strengthen neural networks, which enhances learning and memory. Incase you are asked what is neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to adapt and form new connection. From sports, games and physical activities there are decision to be made and these are what makes growth of cells.
- Increase brain function. Sports the release dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. Neurotransmitters responsible for mood, motivation and focus. this help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression and improve overall mental status.
- Facilitate executive function: Sports often require quick decision making, planning and self regulation. This help in problem solving and impulse control and goal setting.
The role of sports and games
Sports and activities help encourage physical fitness, teamwork and discipline. It allow children to gain self-control and power for decision making. Games like chess and sodoku help to improve memory and concentration, board games, video games, puzzles and cards encourage players to make strategic thinking, critical decision and facilitate problem solving while group games promote communication, empathy, cooperation and emotion regulation.
Sports and games are not just pastimes, they are powerful tools for developing social interaction, mental growth and foundation of leadership. Network for Vulnerable Rescue Foundation (NVRF) empowers youth, children and students through education and sports. It is our believe that from sports and games we are going to create a powerful generation with the great future. We aim at creating leaders and community advocates.
