Sports Can Help Teenagers Mentally and Physically by Emily Kruger

     From a very young age, children all around the world are introduced to a multitude of sports. I probably tried every sport offered in Sussex County before I even found the ones I liked! Participating in sports, dance, and many team activities is very healthy for children and teenagers. With Covid-19 hitting the United States and altering all of our daily lives, I realized how much highschool sports have positively influenced my life. From having pregame locker room dance parties and having water wars at our car wash fundraiser, to working hard on the field and giving the sport our all, soccer and lacrosse have become apart of me. I never understood the extent of happiness athletics have given me until these experiences were taken away. 

    Overall, sports and athletics have many positive effects on people mentally and physically. Being involved in a team sport can teach someone sportsmanship, creativity, and even how to deal with failure from a young age.  Sports can show people how to overcome loss, work hard, and how to combine individual abilities into a team strength. Making connections about plays on the field can strengthen a teenage brain and even help them in school. These are just some of the mental effects athletics have on people! Physically, getting exercise while having a good time with your team is one of the best ways you can take care of your body and mind. Learning how to honor your body and take care of it from a young age will 100% set a child or teenager up for success in the future. 

    While it sure stinks that my sports have not been the same because of Covid, I am really glad that I am realizing how much working out my body, challenging my mind, and shaping a group of strangers into a team has affected me positively throughout the years. Now, I will definitely embrace each practice, weight room session, and team bonding experience that I have. I feel very lucky to be healthy enough to play such incredible sports, and I want to take advantage of this! If you do not play a sport, I encourage you to try one out, join a gym, or even join a team club that allows you to interact with others!