According to research, 60% of Americans say they have poor work-life balance primarily due to the lack of boundaries between professional and home life. You may find it even harder to achieve work-life balance as a woman due to your long list of responsibilities. However, sports is one of the many recommended activities you can participate in to de-stress from work. Sporting activities are fun, enjoyable, and enhance teamwork and friendship. Below are some popular sports you should consider engaging in to achieve a better work-life balance.
Soccer
According to Statista data, 32% of girls in the US said they had played soccer in the previous year during an April 2019 survey. Indeed, soccer is one of the most popular sports among females in America, with many Americans erroneously assuming it is for girls only. Its popularity among females in America is perhaps due to the dominance of the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) on the world stage. Playing soccer is a great way to integrate sports into your lifestyle because it is generally fair and easy to play. Also, you need minimal gear to get started as a recreational soccer player. What's more, the cooperation involved in soccer can boost your confidence and birth solid social bonds that can result in enduring associations.
Softball
Softball is a well-known baseball variant that is incredibly popular in the United States. Although both genders play it, it is widely recognized as a female sport. There aren't many accessories needed to play this game; all you require is a softball, bat, and a pair of gloves. Also, you and your fellow softball enthusiasts might need to invest in a pitching screen for increased safety. The game aims to score more runs than your opposition at the end of seven innings. The frequent switching between batting and fielding keeps softball entertaining and helps you enjoy several personal benefits. For starters, softball releases endorphins that help you de-stress from your corporate life. Also, it sharpens your critical and creative thinking and your collaboration skills.
Tennis
Tennis is widely popular in the US and enjoys a lot of female fandom due to the notable achievements of famous women's tennis players like the Williams sisters, Billie Jean King, and Monica Seles. It can improve your mood by increasing your serotonin levels. Also, tennis can increase your flexibility and decrease your risk for heart disease. Furthermore, tennis is one of the best sports for de-stressing, and for many players, its inherent back and forth is similar to meditation. Additionally, tennis offers you a great full-body workout, so you may notice some genuine weight loss effects provided you cut back on sugar and other calories. Tennis is the game for you if you are keen on playing alone or with just one opponent. Also, it is your go-to option if you don't fancy sports that involve a lot of running.
Golf
Golf is an increasingly popular game in America, with over 24 million Americans playing the game. It is also one of the best sports for females seeking a passive and simple sport that doesn't require much physical effort. A great club set is pretty much the only thing you need to get started as a golfer. Golf's benefits aren't limited to your physical health like other games. In addition, it has well-known mental wellbeing perks like improving your confidence and self-esteem. Golf is also great for making new friends since it is one of the most social sports. You can simply head to your nearest golf course and inform the clubhouse of your willingness to join others. They will often be more than happy to connect you to willing groups, and before you know it, you might be heading out for drinks with a new acquaintance or two.
Volleyball
Volleyball is an easy game to play and does not demand a high level of skill for success. Therefore, it is incredibly popular in the United States among girls interested in team athletic activities. You will only need knee pads and a ball for practice if you wish to participate in this sport. Volleyball is beneficial to lose a lot of weight, evidenced by research revealing that just twenty-six minutes of volleyball participation can burn up to 126 calories. Also, it heightens your body's metabolic rate and rejuvenates vital organs. What's more, this sport demands constant concentration. Therefore, you will need to mentally disengage from distracting and stressful work-related thoughts to play at your best, leading to stress-relief benefits.
Basketball
Basketball is also a great sport for work-life balance, so keep this in mind. It involves hand-eye and foot coordination, running, and a lot of upper body strength. However, you can engage in it to build that upper body strength if you don't already have it. You will frequently need to figure out how to support your teammates during the game to be effective at basketball. This game can lower stress, boost self-esteem, and alleviate stress.
Additionally, playing basketball can help you sharpen your concentration skills since it demands constant focus. As a result, you may improve your mindfulness and ability to handle anxiety in other areas of your life. Basketball also involves a lot of teammate interactions, so you may pick up several positive communication skills which you can transfer to your professional life.
Swimming
Swimming is a low-impact activity that uses all the muscles in your body, whether you are executing a gentle breaststroke or hammer butterfly. Consequently, it is one of the best sports worth considering to achieve work-life balance without too much exertion. Swimming can help you tone your muscles and build strength. Also, it can help you maintain a healthy heart, weight, and lungs. Furthermore, swimming builds endurance and can help women with multiple sclerosis (MS.) Finally, swimming is a great way to de-stress since it allows your mind to power down from constant stimulation. Therefore, it is no surprise that many swimmers report feeling more relaxed and less stressed by simply being in the water.
WRITTEN BY
Daria Brown