sport

Benefits of sport on the psyche

By Dr. Gianfranco De Angelis

There are many scientific studies that show how physical activity has a very effective antidepressant effect, to the point that it can be considered a real antidepressant drug. This action is very evident in "neurotic" depressions from which none of us is completely free. For psychotic depressions, things change, as these are very serious diseases for which the work of the specialist is needed.

So let's go back to our topic: physical activity acts as an antidepressant, strengthens self-esteem, relaxes and eliminates the effects of stress: it is the best antidote for psychosomatic diseases.

All this is true, however, when the training is not directed towards the adversary or the victory, but towards oneself, towards one's body, therefore practiced for one's own well-being. In this way possible psychopathological effects are avoided, such as the pre-agonistic syndrome and the post-agonistic syndrome, in addition to the various forms of divism. So, say psychologists, mass sports yes, as long as the purpose of this sport is fitness, not the overcoming of the adversary, given that the competitive spirit pushed to the extreme limits can do a lot of harm to the psyche. I personally believe that competitive spirit, when the athlete aims at overcoming himself, is also good for the mind, because it becomes an extra motivation to live, and in this age devoid of authentic values ​​in which we see demotivated young people and confused, setting competitive limits means getting out of this existential laziness and living life intensely and in good health.