Psychological Benefits of Volleyball
For most volleyball players, sport psychology is viewed as providing a
competitive advantage through performance enhancement, coping strategies and
counseling. This discipline investigates countless other areas too, including
how individuals are affected by exercise and sport. There are many reasons why
volleyball is one of the world's most popular sports. Let's examine some
psychological benefits of volleyball, and other sports too.
Numerous studies document the psychological benefits of sport and exercise.
Playing regular volleyball is fun, but we often overlook the many psychological
advantages that enrich not only our experiences on the court, but overall
functioning and competitiveness off the court as well.
Improved Mental Functioning
Studies demonstrate that sports such as volleyball are associated with improved
academic performance and memory, and reduced confusion. While playing volleyball
is unlikely to raise a person's IQ or get one into Harvard, it just might
provide the mental edge to think a little clearer and better manage the chaos of
daily life.
Enhanced Emotional Health
Sport and exercise on a regular basis may also provide widespread emotional
benefits. The literature reports greater emotional stability, improved
confidence and assertiveness, more positive body image, fewer phobias, decreased
psychotic behavior, reduced anxiety, less anger, and lower levels of depression.
Many psychologists and physicians prescribe exercise as an adjunct, or main
treatment, for a variety of emotional difficulties.
Improved Physical Functioning
Physical benefits of exercise include fewer headaches, reduced muscular tension,
and enhanced perceptions. Physical health usually enhances well being,
contributing to emotional health as well.
More Efficient Behavior
Sports including volleyball may also enhance a person's behavior in a variety of
other areas. Positive associations are reported between sport and overall
functioning, self-control, work efficiency, decreased absenteeism, fewer work
errors, and decreased alcohol abuse. It's no surprise that smart companies
invest in their employees' health with wellness programs, as this increases
employee satisfaction and productivity.
Why do volleyball and other sports appear to have such widespread benefits?
While there are rarely simple answers to complex questions, researchers have
pointed to a number of psychological and physical explanations including
increased self-esteem, self-sufficiency, improved quality of life, distraction
from daily hassles, changes in brain neurotransmitters, increased oxygen
consumption, and better blood flow in the brain.