Taking up a sport can help combat depression. Exercising releases endorphins, which are chemicals that help trigger positive thoughts. If you’re wondering which game to try, join a baseball or softball team. In addition to releasing endorphins, swinging the bat, pitching the ball, and running around bases will improve your mental outlook in the following ways. 

3 Ways Playing Baseball or Softball Aids Mental Health

1. Build Self-Esteem 

Anxiety and low self-esteem are two symptoms of unhealthy self-conscious emotions. Playing baseball or softball can help eliminate negative emotions and replace them with healthy feelings. With encouragement from teammates, for example, you won’t feel as anxious when you’re up to bat or throwing a pitch. As your skills improve, your self-esteem will improve, too. You can exhibit this newfound self-confidence in other aspects of life.

2. Fight Cognitive Decline

Baseball and softball is a sport that requires cognitive input. For example, players use language and signs to interact with coaches and teammates. They also memorize rules, perceive what’s going on around them, and respond to stimuli. These tasks can improve overall cognitive function to help keep your mind sharp as you age. 

3. Sleep Better

Tossing and turning in bed at night won’t give your brain time to rest, and chronic insomnia can impair your ability to function. Playing baseball or softball can improve your slumber. Playing in the late afternoon, for example, will help improve your sleep-wake cycle. That’s because body temperature goes up a bit when you exercise. It will gradually drop back to normal over the subsequent hours. This will help you feel tired by the time you’re ready to go to sleep. When you have quality sleep, you wake well-rested and have better focus throughout the day. 

To become a better baseball or softball player, arrange a time to practice at The Hitting Zone in O'Fallon, MO. The athletic club has batting cages to practice your swing and hitting instructors to help you perfect it. There are also pitching coaches on hand to improve your skills. You can even sign up for a baseball team that you can learn more about online or by calling (636) 272-1015. Check out photos of the facility on Facebook.