Soccer is by far and away the most popular sport on the planet. It’s played in most countries to some degree, with many areas having their own league systems. Whatever your ability level is, soccer is a fantastic way to relieve stress, anxiety and depression, and it can do so in multiple ways.
Soccer and Exercise is Great for Your Mind and Body
As everyone knows, exercise is fantastic for the mind and body, so playing the game is an excellent way to enjoy soccer while being kind to yourself. The healthier your body is, the better state your mind will be in, so, the more you play, the better condition you will be in on the whole. You could start with having a kick around with friends, and then move to 5-a-side. There are leagues you can enter from there, which are always fun to play in, especially with friends.
If you have the ability, you could play 11-a-side, and go as far as playing semi-pro, or making it as a professional. Playing soccer in any way, shape or form will allow you to get the heart rate up, and it will release endorphins, otherwise known as happy chemicals, which are fantastic for helping you stave off stress, anxiety and depression. If playing isn’t for you, there are several other ways to use soccer to your advantage.
Read more about why soccer is a great sport for health and wellness:
- Exercises to Improve Soccer Player Joint Health
- How to Become Confident on the Soccer Field
- “Too Old to Play Soccer”: Why You Should Play Soccer In Your 50s And Beyond
Soccer is Healthy as a Spectator Sport
You could, for example, watch matches, either live or in person. Watching the action is an exciting and exhilarating experience, especially if your team is winning. You can take the suspense to the next level too, by placing a wager on the outcome. If you’ve never done this before, it’s easy to find out how to place a bet on soccer. It adds a bit of extra spice to the occasion, and you don’t have to spend much, it’s just for fun after all.
The other great side of soccer, which is as crucial as the effects the sport has on the body, is the social aspect it brings to the table. Loneliness can exacerbate conditions such as anxiety and depression tenfold, so by playing football with friends, or by watching games together; you have people you can open up to if you feel comfortable in doing so. And, don’t forget, being around friends is always going to be a fun occasion, which in turn will produce natural highs which you may have been lacking for a while.
For some, their situation means they can’t get out often, so they can’t commit to playing soccer or watching games regularly. But, fear not, the sport has more solutions. Millions around the world play the FIFA game series, and it gets more realistic with each passing year. It’s is a fun game to play, provides an immersive experience, and you can log on and play online with friends as well. So, again, it’s another way to stay sociable, proving soccer, in its many guises, is the perfect stress relief.