SPORT AND WELLNESS

Doctor Benedetta Bonato 

WELLNESS is the key word in these days, because nowadays it's really hard to find time for others and also for themselves. 

So, sport can be a perfect “weapon”, it's very important for physical training, psychological problems, stress and interpersonal skills. 

Practicing competitive sport makes people active and ready, in this article I would like to talk about the relationship between wellness and psychological level of people who practice sport with medium or low intensity. 

The physiological correlation teaches us that sport at any level increases the performance and health in several levels (body mass index, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, transformation of food into available resources properly, most flexibility, reduced aging and the risk of suffering from diseases of the elderly in early times, to name a few). 

The psychological correlation teaches us that sport is essential to maintain a good sleep patterns, a healthy cognitive development, a better reaction to stress by learning rules, containment and coping skills, good work on the concept of self-confidence, the self-respect, good vibes, more opportunities to meet people and so it improves the socialization. 

Some studies confirm that sport means fun, and practicing it in a medium intensity, not only competitive, it's a good way to live in a healthy way. 

Everything seems very simple and straightforward, but, just talking with “pediatricians” we realize how our society is becoming against sports. 

From recent studies of the SIP (Italian Society of Pediatrics) and from what we can observe in the field, sport is more widespread among the 6 and 10 years old and it is pursued only if there is strong parental support. Unfortunately, from 12 years old, there is sometimes the abandonment of activities. 

Youngsters become more sedentary, there are many reasons like boredom, fatigue, and commitment required. 

Sport is also underestimated in our schools for the lack of facilities and either for lack of projects. 

In other States and countries, sport is a “school curriculum” up to universities and not only delegate to 2 hours per week. We should re-evaluate every kind of sports such as children's contests and activities including amateur events. 

We don't need to become champions, but we are interested in feeling good through sports activities. 

Let's enjoy this moment of peace and think about your next sport session .......... it is so nice to have such a good variety of choices in the terms of activities. 

Always remember : Sport is Health ! 

Doctor Benedetta Bonato, psychologist and psychotherapist.