I’m sure you’ve heard a million times why, and how sport is beneficial for us; it relaxes us, it helps us sleep… blah blah blah. But there are many benefits to sport in school as well, which makes it arguably one of the most important subjects we have.

 

Imagine this, you’ve just finished a stressful English test and have been revising Macbeth quotes for weeks. You feel drained and tense, when you remember you have PE next, when you can switch part of your brain off and just move your body – a time to get your blood and fists pumping. Being outside, breathing fresh air, under the sun (if you’re lucky) is so beneficial you both your mental and physical and wellbeing. For example, exercising outside is a natural depressant, which is so important in school to lower stress levels.  

 

Sport in school is a time to exercise not just your body, but also parts of your brain, particularly in team sports. The Healthline website stated, “research found that involvement in team sports was correlated with a larger hippocampal volume (the area of the brain responsible for processing of long-term memory and emotional responses) in both boys and girls.” This is a vital part of your brain needed for school and life in general, as well as other parts of your brain engaged in sports such as performing under pressure and making quick decisions. 

 

There are of course many mental benefits as well, for example a student I spoke to loves sport because of the “confidence boost”. Sport “has disciplined and increased (her) mental strength”. These benefits are great for young students and can start good habits. Sport also has a big impact on our mood, as endorphins are released which elevate our mood and reduce stress, which makes PE necessary in school life. It’s necessary not only to boost moods but is also great for students to socialise with each other as it’s a great way to meet new friends and see old friends. 

 

Therefore, sport is one of the most vital lessons we have in school, and why it shouldn’t be overlooked or skipped. So, get your trainers on and enjoy some exercise!