How Does American Football Affect Mental Health?

It has been proven that playing any sport is good for your health. However, there are some sports that are better known than others in terms of the scientific evidence associated with them. For example, can you tell us how American football affects mental health?

American football is a sport that, compared to football players in Europe or South America, is not very well known. Despite this, it is a very intense and challenging sport that requires a high level of fitness and hard training.

The intensity of the sport is often confused with aggressiveness, to the point where there has been much controversy in recent years about brain injuries and long-term manifestations suffered by football players.

This is not to say that all football players suffer the consequences of playing the sport. Brain injuries do occur, but not all football fans do, and in the end, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. With all this in mind, the experts from WriteMeMyEssay.com will discuss now how American football affects mental health.

Increases the Ability to Make Decisions Under Pressure

If there’s one thing that characterizes American football, it’s the ability to make key decisions in a pressure-provoking situation. During the game, there is not enough comfort to think calmly and not be distracted.

Football players have to learn to make decisions that can change the course of a game in seconds. Not only that, but they must also resist the pressure of their opponents. The struggle between the two teams is not only physical but also psychological.

These skills are usually acquired through practice, but they can also be improved, mostly through concentration. If an athlete learns how to manage concentration optimally, he or she is unlikely to be overwhelmed by distractions when making decisions. In addition, the process becomes more efficient because decisions are made faster.

Life Coping Skills Acquired

Lessons learned in sports are not only saved for sports but can be extended to life in general. This is one of the reasons why people are motivated to play sports.

In the case of American football, the coping skills learned can be used in other contexts, such as school, work, or interpersonal relationships. These coping skills include, for example, coping with defeat, tolerating frustration, or planning for difficulties.

According to a study conducted by Texas A&M University on college football players, a major psychological benefit reported by the athletes themselves is that soccer teaches coping skills outside of the sports arena.

Brain Injuries – The Other Side of the Coin

On the other hand, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, there is a hidden side to American football. The intensity of the collisions between players means they get hit hard on parts of the body unprepared for them, such as the head.

Getting hit in the head repeatedly is not healthy at all. The immediate consequence is a concussion, an incomprehensible condition that goes away without consequences within 24 hours. However, when concussions are repeated too often, early brain degeneration occurs, which can lead to dementia.

Once dementia appears, there is no cure, so the best weapon in the fight against it is prevention. This includes proper use of protective equipment, annual checkups every year, and regular cognitive training.

American Football – Is an Exciting Sport With Many Benefits

There is no doubt that American football affects mental health. In general, the sport is good for mental health, but there is also a risk of brain damage, especially if played without precautions.

On the other hand, practicing responsibly and professionally should not cause any harm. If the athlete practices responsibly, the risks are minimized, just as in any other sport. Even if American football is a more unknown sport, open your mind and allow yourself to be surprised by its benefits.