The benefits of exercise and sports cannot be overstated. From their major health benefits to helping manage stress and providing increased energy, physical activity can make a huge difference in anyone’s life.
Piper Fuhr ‘26, a competitive Irish dancer for almost eleven years, finds that the sport allows her to escape from stress in other aspects of her life: “I can always just rely on my dance friends to help me have a good time at dance and take my mind off things that are stressful, like school and other stuff.”
English teacher Patrick Barry, a distance runner and six-time marathon finisher, believes that such physical activity provides “a good way to clear your head, tuning everything out. And, conversely, it can be a good way to dial in on something and work through it.” Barry phrases running as “everything and nothing,” meaning that you must work your hardest and give it everything, but regardless of the outcome, it does not define you.
Much of the time, exercise and participating in athletics are very important and beneficial. However, given the strong ties between sports and mental health, it’s important to recognize the challenges. Ruby Souvignier ‘28, a varsity hockey player, struggles with anxiety, stating “I think I’m a bit of an overthinker, a lot goes through my head.” This is the case for many athletes, especially in high levels of sports.
Additionally, the team aspect is a big part of why so many students participate in athletics and can be a great coping mechanism for stress. For Souvignier, “the community and the people [she] play[s] with” are valuable in her growth as an athlete. This is a common answer. Community in sports helps many manage mental struggles and is a huge reason why so many participate in sports. Hunter Simon ‘26, a distance runner and Nordic skier adds, “You always meet new people every year, and you get to work together with people and watch others improve and support each other. It feels like you have a ton of people cheering you on.”
Through both the tough moments and the uplifting times in sports, one thing rings true: “It’s how you find yourself,” remarks Barry. Both the benefits and negatives of sports on mental health can help you improve in many aspects of life and show what all of it is really for: growth, both as an athlete and as a person.
