If you played sports when you were younger or if you’re still fit and brave enough to get stuck in, then it’s likely that it has a positive effect on your work ethic or career. Playing sports when you are young and into adulthood can have many benefits for your personal and professional development.
Many avoid physical exercise because they think it is too dangerous or maybe strenuous for them, however, physical exercise doesn’t have to be dangerous or strenuous at all.
According to a study by the University of Bristol, employees who exercised before work or during lunch breaks reported higher levels of energy, motivation, and concentration. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that make you feel happy and reduce stress. Playing sports can also provide you with a sense of achievement, confidence, and self-esteem.
Sports are not just for athletes or people who want to compete and win. There are so many different kinds of sports out there, and they all have their benefits and challenges.
For example, did you know that playing chess is considered a sport? Yes, chess! It may not seem like it, but chess is a mental sport that requires concentration, strategy, and creativity. It can also improve your memory, problem-solving skills, and IQ.
Ever considered Yoga? Yoga is a physical and spiritual practice that involves breathing, stretching, and balancing. It can help you improve your flexibility, strength, posture, and mood. It can also reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. And the best part is that you can do it anywhere, anytime, and at your own pace.
These are just two examples of sports that don’t have to be high-impact or strenuous. There are many more out there, such as golf, bowling, archery, fishing, gardening, dancing, and so on. The point is that you can find something you love that makes you happy and healthy.
Sports provide the foundation to have discipline and be a self-starter while overcoming adversity. However, there is a difference in the skills and strengths that athletes who practice individual sports, including long-distance running, cycling or swimming, and those who participate in team-based athletics bring to the workplace. Often the skills learned during team-based sports translate differently to the workplace than individual sports.
– Team sports require you to communicate, coordinate, and compromise with your teammates to achieve a common goal. You also learn how to respect different opinions, skills, and personalities. These are essential skills for any workplace, where you will have to work with colleagues, clients, and managers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
– Playing on a team helps you develop a sense of responsibility and accountability. Team sports teach you that your actions have consequences for yourself and others. You learn how to be punctual, reliable, and committed to your team. You also learn how to handle pressure, feedback, and criticism. These are important skills for any career, where you will have to meet deadlines, deliver quality work, and improve your performance.
– Playing on a team helps you cultivate a growth mindset and a positive attitude. Team sports encourage you to challenge yourself, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your achievements. You also learn how to cope with failure, frustration, and disappointment. These are valuable skills for any life situation, where you will face obstacles, setbacks, and opportunities.
– Participating in sports as an individual can boost your confidence and self-esteem. It can help you discover your strengths and talents, overcome your weaknesses and fears, and improve your physical and mental health. These factors can make you feel more confident and positive about yourself and your abilities. This can help you perform better in your job interviews, presentations, negotiations, and other situations where you need to impress others and showcase your value.
– It can expand your network and opportunities; and help you meet new people who share your interests and passions. You can make friends, mentors, or even potential employers or clients through playing sports. You can also learn from others who have different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. This can help you broaden your horizons, gain new insights, and access more opportunities in your career.
Participating in sports of any kind, be it as a team member or an individual can help you burn calories, build muscle, strengthen your bones and joints, and lower your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It can also prevent or delay age-related decline in your physical abilities. For example, playing tennis can improve your hand-eye coordination, balance, and agility. Playing soccer can enhance your endurance, speed, and flexibility.
So, if you think you are too old, too busy, or too out of shape to enjoy physical activities, you might want to reconsider. Participating in a sport you love can help you develop valuable skills, boost your confidence, and expand your network. These benefits can help you achieve more success and satisfaction in your professional life. Why not try joining your local GAA, tennis, chess, soccer club etc.? You may experience the thrill of competition, the joy of victory, and the humour of defeat. You may even create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Michael worked for over 10 years in the industrial engineering environment before starting in recruitment with BDO in 2006 on their engineering desk. He joined IRC in 2008 as a technical engineering consultant before moving into account management and becoming principle account manager in IRC. Michael has worked with some of the largest engineering companies within the mid west region and has had sole management responsibility for one of the largest temporary staffing accounts with one of the bigger multinationals based in Ireland during his time with IRC.
Michael joined Careerwise in April 2016 with the responsibility of growing the business out of the new Galway office with a primary focus on the West, North-West and Midland regions. Michael has extensive experience and knowledge in the technical, engineering and commercial sectors.
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