When you watch a sports game on the television, you’re likely rooting for a specific team to win.

That’s because, generally speaking, sports tend to focus on winners and losers. The problem with that thinking is that it doesn’t take into account the many benefits of sports, including fun. Playing sports without worrying about who wins and loses is freeing, and it allows you to realize the many benefits the pastime provides.

In some ways, it’s comparable to gamblers who enjoy playing for fun without putting any money on the line. Rather than focusing on whether they win or lose, they do it purely for enjoyment. Let’s go over why playing sports for fun is so important to your physical and mental well-being.

Sports Are Great Exercise

The most obvious benefit of playing sports is that it’s great exercise. One hour of intense soccer playing can burn 420 to 620 calories, while an hour of touch football or basketball can burn 480 to 710 calories.

Sports can help you lose or maintain a healthy body weight, build muscle, tone your body, and help with flexibility and mobility. The great thing about sports is that they don’t feel like a traditional workout, so they tend to be much more fun.

Sports Can Get You Outdoors

If you don’t get outdoors much, you’re missing an important health opportunity. Spending time outdoors can improve your mood, energize you, help you breathe clearer, improve your body’s immune function, and more. The problem is that people often wait for an excuse to get outside, rather than taking time to be outdoors doing nothing.

Therefore, depending on the sport you play, it may encourage you to get outdoors. This is a good thing and something you’re bound to benefit from. Just be sure to put on plenty of sweat-resistant sunscreen!

Sports Are a Social Activity

Socializing is another important aspect of life, but as people age and get busy with their families and careers, it can get more difficult. If you don’t already have a group of friends, it might be difficult to put yourself out there and find new people to hang out with. Sports can be a great way to meet others who share your interests, allowing you to form new friendships.

For those who already have a big friend group, you can get everyone together for a game of hockey, baseball, soccer, or anything else and have a great time socializing.

Sports Are a Lesson in Teamwork

Sports can also be a great team-building exercise, which is why some companies hold sports days. The sport itself is an icebreaker that forces people to work together. In a company setting, it means you may be teamed up with colleagues you wouldn’t otherwise interact with at the office.

Even if you’re not part of a company team-building experience, playing a group sport means you need to work with others in the pursuit of a shared goal together.

Sports Can Sharpen Your Leadership Skills

There is also a chance to learn leadership skills. Yes, there is an element of teamwork in sports, but undoubtedly someone has to emerge as the leader (i.e. team captain). As the captain, it’s your job to call the plays and inspire and motivate everyone else on the team. You can see how those same skills would transfer into other areas of life, both at work and at home.

If you have aspire to one day become a manager or supervisor, sports can help you reach that goal. Learn how to inspire people on the court, diamond, or rink, and you’ll have no problem in the workplace.

Sports Are a Great Way to Combat Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can wear anyone down, affecting all aspects of life and even impeding daily functioning. There are all kinds of ways you can combat stress and anxiety, but one of the most beneficial is physical activity.

When you’re playing sports, your body releases endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ hormones that make you feel happier and more relaxed. You’ll feel great while playing the sport and afterward. What’s even better is the results are instant. The next time you’re going through a stressful day or period, try engaging in sports as a way to give your mind a much-needed break.

Sports Can Help You Sleep Better at Night

Did you know that about 25 million adult Americans suffer from insomnia? Insomnia is more than just an inconvenience; it can negatively affect your mood, energy, focus, productivity, and even your social skills. Adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night, but that’s sometimes easier said than done.

Sports can effectively tire you out both physically and mentally, which can help you fall asleep easier. And it’s more than just falling asleep faster and easier, that sense of exhaustion can also help you stay asleep the full night.

Taking Part in Sports Does Your Whole Body Good—and It’s Fun!

As you can see from these benefits, participating in sports is both fun and great for your mental and physical well-being. You don’t have to take them seriously or join a professional league; just make an effort to be as active as possible. It won’t take long for the results to appear.