New survey shows playing sports alleviates anxiety: Let it kickstart your fitness goals

Something about moving your body just makes you feel good, both mentally and physically — and new data backs up the benefits of a moving meditation.According to a new report from Crisis Text Line, young people turn to sports and movement in the middle of a mental health crisis when seeking support.Specifically, “16% of young people mentioned sports, walking or outdoor activity as a way to cope, most often alongside anxiety, stress, relationships, depression and suicide or self-harm.”Among the people under 18 who mentioned sports, 38.2% discussed anxiety and stress, 37.3% referenced depression and 23.6% talked about loneliness more often than the Crisis Text Line average.One of the most common activities mentioned by young adults was going to the gym.

I can speak firsthand to the benefits of picking up weights.Something about lifting heavy makes me feel physically strong, and as a result, my confidence and mental health skyrocket shortly after a workout.

As someone who grew up doing ballet, I can confidently say that the second I started incorporating gym workouts, I noticed a boost in self-esteem.If you’re interested in turning to sports or movement to support your mental health, we’ve got you covered.The Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights are a great place to start — and they’re 10% off right now.This set of dumbbells has neoprene coating that makes for a comfortable, non-slip grip and will last for years.

They also feature hexagon-shaped ends, ensuring they don’t roll away when you put them on the ground or store them post-workout.Different sized weights are available, and each has a distinct number and color so you can easily tell them apart.Choose from one pound up to 10 pound dumbbells; some sets even come with multiple pairs and a rack for convenient storage.According to the American Council of Exercise, “dumbbells can provide the two types of overload that lead to muscle growth: mechanic and metabolic.” Light muscle damage an...