With the Olympics just gone, many of us will be feeling inspired by the superstars that have ran faster, jumped higher, dove with more precision, or even climbed walls, ridden horses and cycled at a pace that feels similar to the speed of light.
It’s a competition that oozes the feeling of “anyone can do it”, with ordinary people doing the ordinary. Of course, they have given years of their life to their sport, but for many of them inspiring others to take it up is just as important as Gold.
That’s especially the case in this day and age, where more of us are suffering with our mental health and less than healthy lifestyles. The likes of depression, anxiety and addiction have all risen within the UK, and as a result more people are getting help, going through an addiction detox, treatment and therapy to get their lives back on track.
Sport can play a huge part in that, easing stress and improving our mental health. Naturally, some Olympic sports can be easier to pick up than others. For example, it’s unlikely you’re going to start fencing or dancing around on a horse in a hurry. So, here we’ve simplified it with five Olympic sports you can pick up as a beginner…
Swimming
The pool dominates the first week of the Olympics, but it’s a sport that suits all levels of fitness and all speeds of swimming. It’s a brilliant all-around exercise for all ages, offering low impact exercise for all ages. While it’s an excellent source of physical fitness, it can also have a big impact on mental health too.
The rhythmic nature of swimming, alongside the soothing effect of water can be incredibly calming on the mind, while the repetitive strokes and breathing patterns mimic almost a meditative state.
This can have a huge impact on our stress levels, anxiety and depression, while also being great for improving concentration and boosting mood to tackle cravings and challenges associated with addiction.
Running
Running is another sport that’s so easy to pick up, with long distance running especially having a powerful impact on mental health. The endorphins and endocannabinoids released from running can significantly boost mood and alleviate any stresses, while there’s also the sense of achievement you’ll get from setting and achieving goals, whether that be your first 5k, 10k, beating personal bests and perhaps even going all the way and running a marathon.
Cycling
While we’re not exactly suggesting you should hit the velodrome, although you can certainly do taster sessions at the likes of the Lee Valley Velopark and National Cycling Centre, getting on your bike and riding is an excellent sport for our wellbeing.
Whether on the road or exploring trails on the mountain bike, it can release those endorphins as well as place you amongst some beautiful scenery. It’s a great option to clear the mind of negative thoughts, with you requiring concentration, particularly on the road.
What’s more, you could even join a cycling club and go on group rides, which not only provides you with the benefits above, but also adds a real sense of community and belonging to your rides.
Yoga (Artistic Gymnastics)
There are real similarities between yoga and artistic gymnastics, and there’s no doubt you will have enjoyed watching Simone Biles return to the top of her game after going through her own mental health struggles.
Starting with yoga can be a good step and requires a combination of strength, flexibility and balance, while also having mental focus and control. It’s no secret, the mental health benefits yoga possesses, connecting the mind and body through controlled breathing and deliberate movements. It’s an activity many professionals recommend to those struggling with addiction and depression and one that can work wonders for us.
Rowing
Finally, rowing is a full-body workout that requires teamwork, coordination, and endurance. It is also a fantastic exercise for mental health. The rhythmic nature of rowing, coupled with the calming influence of water, creates a meditative experience that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Being part of a rowing team also promotes social interaction and cooperation, which are vital components of mental well-being. The sense of unity and shared purpose in a rowing crew can create strong bonds, providing emotional support and a sense of belonging. Additionally, the physical demands of rowing help release endorphins, improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression.
