A challenge I faced during this inquiry question was summarizing and getting my point of view across. Although I had a vision in mind on how I wanted to present and speak about my inquiry, I was stuck on how to physically implement this. In order to create my presentation. I went through my different rounds of research, reading and remembering all the different information. From there, I started writing down all the points and ideas I want to convey through my presentation. This allowed me to have an organized idea of what I was trying to portray. Lastly, I began creating a visual, using my written points as a basis to build on.
This inquiry allowed me to develop a deeper understanding on the effects of sports on athletes mental health. As an athlete myself, I began understanding why I felt certain emotions after a practice or a tournament. Additionally, I developed a deeper respect for high level athletes as their day to day life is revolved around their sport. The amount of mental fortitude required for this is extremely difficult. Lastly, I learned how sports and exercise release endorphins and dopamine causing individuals to experience a certain happiness afterwards.
Not only has this inquiry allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of sports and its mental health, but has impacted my future decisions and choices. As I continue to train and improve in my sport, I will ensure that I learn from my mistakes rather than blame myself and create negative thoughts. Additionally, I will try my best to separate my sport life from my daily life, making sure that I do not create unrealistic expectations, causing myself to feel certain pressure throughout my daily life. Lastly, I will ensure that I train to keep my physical health in good shape, without creating a strain on my mental health.
As this investigation covers the effects of sports on mental health and sports, many athletes around the world are impacted. This investigation allows people to develop a deeper understanding on the positive and negative effects of sports on mental health. Athletes can become more educated on their own mental health, allowing them to understand why they feel a certain way after a practice or a competition. Whether that can be a feeling of stress relief or improved self esteem, or even a negative effect such as burnout, or anxiety, they can understand how to handle and manage it. Furthermore, this can allow them to prevent the negative effects of the sports and notice any signs before it harms them. Ultimately, this investigation allows athletes to better understand their mental health and how their sports affect it, whether that is positively or negatively.
