How Participation Helps Improve Your Mental Health
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
27 April , Monday
What is Participation?
Participation - noun
par·tic·i·pa·tion
Participation refers to the action of getting involved, taking part in a social event, activity, or process that involves social action but that may not necessarily be related to work, however, still contributes significantly towards your own wellness. Some examples of voluntary participation include participation in various activities that entail giving out time and effort to assist other people, which could be done through your school or other local initiatives. Rangitoto College, based in Mirangi Bay, Auckland, as an example, has over 100 service clubs you can join and volunteer in. This includes sports (football, badminton, snowboarding), you can also get involved in non-school-related recreational activities, such as playing basketball in your local club or school team, attending Pilates or going to the gym for weightlifting or boxing!
What’s the point of participating?
Scientific evidence shows strong backing for the benefits participation offers with respect to mental wellness. Several studies have shown the same result: that individuals who volunteer have high levels of life satisfaction. Moreover, such individuals are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. According to a study conducted by Volunteering Australia, 95% of the respondents believe that volunteering contributes positively to their wellbeing and sense of achievement. Additionally, the majority of the volunteers reported that they had grown their confidence through volunteering.
As seen from the evidence provided by research, regular participation in sports can positively
affect mental well-being, social support, and reduce social anxiety.
What is the reason behind it?
The first reason, just by joining a group, whether it is done by volunteering, hobby sharing or taking up a sport, one becomes surrounded by like-minded people and establishes new social contacts and friendships. The desire for social bonds is innate in humans, and the feeling of belongingness gives us significant emotional peace. Making new friends is inexplicably important to the human psyche, they give us worth and dopamine.
The second reason, why it is essential to participate in sports relates to the physiological changes in the body. It provokes the release of endorphins and dopamine, which are responsible for regulating our mood. The release of these endorphins increases our mood, resulting in better mental health in the short term and continuous healthy release in the long term.
The third reason, participation is associated with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Especially in terms of volunteering, people find meaning in life because of what they do. The realisation that their actions do make a difference brings respect for oneself and helps improve one's outlook. Finally, the last benefit of participation in sports is the opportunity to unplug from the internet. People spend most of their time sitting at the computer and working. As a result, it makes them tired and stressed. Taking part in any activity face-to-face, especially outside the house, gives rest to your brain and overall improves your mental health that comes with it!
Conclusion of the Voices
Try your best to participate and attempt new things and remember, “You don’t need to do something big to make a difference”. Just showing up is enough to start to have fun whilst improving both mental and physical health.
This is your sign to begin getting involved!
Sources:
-VOH Leadership Team