With all the talk about mental health being a health condition that is discussed a lot in modern times, Squash is one of the healthiest sports that you could play to ease the condition and give you confidence.
It is evident that the sport can help people with mental health issues – mainly helping people suffering from mild depression or anxiety – resulting in increased confidence.
Having worked in the health club industry at venues with squash courts, notably a high-end health club in Berkshire and managing an independent in the West Midlands (even playing in the 3rd division Novice league) – I have seen the evidence of how playing squash can bring to anyone who plays recreational or in the clubs inter-club leagues with fellow members.
With the research on how Squash is great for your health and wellbeing; however, there are such essential benefits why you should participate in the sport.
Not just physical benefits, but measurable health benefits
From playing squash, you will not only feel physically fit, but you feel a sense of positivity, which can do wonders for your mental health, some of the most notable benefits are:
1) Boost your confidence and self-esteem
There is nothing like that winning feeling of having won a squash rally or hitting that vital shot to win that vital point. From this, you get the ultimate boost of self-motivation to tackle anything, especially when dealing with negative emotions.
2) Improves your hand-eye coordination
If you are someone who does a job that requires a lot of concentration, especially if your job involves working shifts or a maintenance job – Squash can help you concentrate, thus this is a transferable mindset.
3) You can make friends
Like most sports, you can establish friendships; however, squash is renowned to be the most sociable sport on the planet –even if it is a competitive inter-club league match. Whether you are young or old, even if you are starting out as a novice you will instantly make friends.
Speaking from a personal experience; I am still friends with my fellow competitors in the Novice league now after 12 years!
Let’s not forget, you can play double Squash, just its racquets cousins Tennis and Badminton also can be played in the capacity of doubles, thus friendships can be formed!!
4) Decrease stress and banishes negative thoughts
I have to admit, when I played squash in the novice league, I was experiencing stress and thinking negative thoughts (mainly due to work); come away with a quick few practice shots and a surprise victory, the stress went and my mood was positive. This was mainly down to smashing the ball so hard against the wall, thus releasing Epinephrine in my head – in other words, an adrenaline rush, resulting in positive thoughts in my mind.
Creating camaraderie amongst the youth at a young age
The recent innovation of public outdoor squash courts, by our good friends at ASB Squash, makes the sport more interesting by allowing people to get outdoors and get vital Vitamin D, an essential vitamin for your body.
Outdoor Squash Court (Image credit: ASB Squash Courts)
Not is Squash the best sport to tackle issues surrounding people’s health – especially when dealing with stressful personal issues – but, it is always important to warm up before playing a match to prevent injury.
With such awareness days such as World Squash Day and World Mental Health Day can work collaborate together to help perspective Squash players understand the benefits of the sport, especially from a mental health angle.
To sum up, for young people playing Squash will help them to engage with people of cultures, especially if the squash academy is community driven – not saying there is a social class divide, but it is important for young people to learn from other people; plus if the sessions are fun.
