Coping Strategy #11: Team Sports

Sport has been a massive part of my life for as long as I can remember. It keeps me active and clears my head, but I’ve never fully understood exactly why it has such an impact. I just knew that when I stopped, I felt worse.

In this episode, I dig into three key ways sport affects my mental health and why it helps me feel more grounded. If you’ve ever wondered how activity could shape your mindset, this chat might spark ideas for you too. Ready to dive in?

Why Sport Matters So Much

I didn’t grow up thinking of myself as a top athlete. In fact, I often felt a bit clumsy, especially with dyslexia making me feel different to others in the classroom. Sport gave me a place where I could focus on my body instead of worrying about words.

There’s a peaceful zone you can reach when you’re moving, whether you’re jogging in the park or playing a chilled game of tennis. Something about the focus on your physical self quiets the busy chatter in your head. It’s not always perfect, but when it works, it’s brilliant.

“Trying to understand what I get out of it has been a different story, but it honestly makes a huge change to my mental health.”

It’s that search for understanding that made me really dig into the why behind sport. It’s not just the obvious endorphins. It feels a little deeper and more personal.

The Three Key Benefits for Mental Health

When I step back, I see three main angles that keep popping up for me.

1. Stress Release: Physical activity helps me blow off steam. I might have a tough day where my head’s spinning, but after some movement, that tension lifts.
2. Improved Mood: On days I feel low, getting my heart rate up leaves me more upbeat. It’s like hitting a reset button on my emotions.
3. Boosted Confidence: Sport reminds me I can learn and grow. I might start off feeling slow or awkward, then after a while, I see progress. That sense of accomplishment filters through everything else in my life.

These benefits might be obvious to some, but for me, discovering each one felt like a revelation. A good workout or friendly match helps me trust my body and mind more.

How Dyslexia Shaped My Relationship with Sport

I think there’s a special layer when you’re dyslexic. Sometimes, traditional learning can feel like a battle. You might feel behind or worry you’re not catching things as quickly as others. Sport can be an escape from those worries.

When words get jumbled, or when instructions at work make you pause, it’s nice to have a physical outlet. If your mind is prone to wandering or you need a new perspective, sport steps in like a friend who says, “Let’s just move for a while.”

In my dyslexia journey, I’ve come to realise that feeling connected to your body builds resilience. You learn to trust your instincts. If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to question yourself all the time: “Did I read that right? Am I missing something?” Exercise helps you move from your head into your body, which can be a sweet relief.

Ways to Incorporate Sport into Your Week

If you’re thinking, “This all sounds great, but I have zero time,” I hear you. Life’s busy, especially if you’re juggling work, family, or general life chaos. Still, a few simple changes can help you squeeze in some physical activity without feeling overwhelmed.

• Early Walk-Run: Getting up 20 minutes earlier once or twice a week might be enough. Walk for a bit, then jog for a minute or two, see how it goes.
• Lunchtime Stroll: If you work near a park, make a point of walking around it. Even a quick loop beats sitting at your desk.
• Social Sports: Find a friend or group who meet for tennis, swimming, or five-a-side footy. It’s easier to make it happen when there’s social accountability.
• Home Workouts: Clear a space in your living room for yoga or a simple workout video. No need for a fancy gym membership if time or money is tight.

These ideas don’t need to be massive. Small spurts of movement can add up, especially if you stick with them.

Staying Motivated Keeps Me Going

Motivation is tricky. It can disappear as fast as it arrives. Some weeks I’m raring to go, then the next I’m tired or busy. If you’re the same, you’re so not alone.

What helps me is remembering how good I feel after I move my body. Even 15 minutes can shift my mood. I also try to link sport to something fun, like listening to music or exploring a new area. Mixing it up keeps it interesting.

Another tip is to focus on progress rather than perfection. If you miss a day, it’s not a failure. I’ve missed loads of days. Just pick up where you left off and keep going. One missed session doesn’t wipe out all the good you’ve done.

Here are a few ways to keep on track:

• Celebrate Small Wins: Notice your progress, no matter how small.
• Use Prompts: Set reminders on your phone. Sometimes we do need a friendly digital nudge.
• Buddy Up: Work out with a friend or two. It’s much harder to bail when someone’s waiting.
• Find a Hobby Sport: Maybe dancing or surfing. If it feels like play, you’re more likely to stick with it.

These small tricks keep reminding me that it’s worth showing up for myself and my mind.

Before I close off, I want to share a few quick insights I’ve personally found crucial:

• Sport can be simple, no need for fancy gear or hardcore training.
• Progress is more important than perfection.
• You can adapt activities to suit your schedule, lifestyle, or ability.
• It’s OK if you don’t love every type of exercise, you just need to find something that feels good.

If you want to hear more about my experience with sport and mental health, the podcast player’s right here on this page. There’s also a deeper dive into how I discovered these three benefits and what made them so powerful.

Key Takeaways to Remember

• Sport can lower stress and lift your mood.
• It builds confidence by showing you visible progress.
• Movement gives your mind a break, especially if you’re dealing with dyslexia.
• Small starts count. Even a 10-minute walk can help.

Curious to learn more about how I weave sport into daily life with dyslexia? Dive into the full episode to hear the full story, and hopefully, spark a few ideas of your own.

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Have a listen to the full episode above, and let me know your thoughts. Give sport a chance this week, even just for a quick session. I’d love to hear how it affects your day.