When you were a kid, your parents probably enrolled you in a sport or two. They probably figured it’d help you keep in shape and make some new friends. Plus, it’d get you out of their hair for a little while. A win-win, right?
A lot of time has passed since those childhood games and you’ve already grown up and moved on. Have you ever thought about embracing your inner child again?
Because if you haven’t, I think you should. It might be time to consider getting back into intramurals.
But, how can you find the time?
You’ve got a committed career now. You’re a productive member of society with duties to your family and co-workers. You need to pay your bills and taxes. You need to manage your savings and start planning for retirement.
And really, why bother with social sports, anyway? They take so much time and effort. Aren’t there better ways you could be occupying yourself?
Honestly, not really.
The experience is more than worth it and with the following benefits of intramural sports, you’ll surely be convinced to get back into it right away.
They’ll Help You Feel Like A Kid Again
You’ve no doubt heard the phrase ‘young at heart.’ How would you like to embody it?
By putting some time and effort into intramural sports, you’ll be healthier, happier, and more energetic. And, as an added bonus, you’ll even be more productive at work.
The benefits of intramural sports offer more than just health benefits. By maintaining a healthy body, you’ll also ensure you’ve got a sharper mind. You’ll be more alert, more energetic and, ultimately, more efficient.
Plus, there’s ample evidence that suggests how regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing certain types of illness and disease. I’m talking about more than just the common cold here. Getting fit also means you’re less likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, obesity or heart disease.
See Also: 10 Habits That Can Prevent Heart Disease
They’re A Great Way To Meet New People
Making friends as an adult is hard, isn’t it? Outside of your co-workers, who do you really interact with on a regular basis? How often do you get off work for the day and decide to go over to a friend’s place or go out to a party?
Chances are, the longer you’ve been an adult, the less you go out. Joining a sports league not only gets you out of the house more by giving you an excuse to be somewhere, it can be a great way to meet new people, too. And, as an added bonus, you’ll automatically have a common ground with those people – a shared passion for the sport you’re playing.
And here’s the thing: most people, even introverts, crave social interaction in one way or another. It’s something that’s wired into our very biology, as basic as our need for food, shelter, and sleep. Intramural sports provide you with an easy, stress-free means of meeting that need.
They’re Perfect For Team Building
Last but certainly not least, if you get your co-workers involved, intramural sports can greatly improve workplace relationships. By learning to work with your colleagues outside the office and doing it while you’re enjoying, you’ll learn to work better with them inside the office.
“Team building via corporate games are specifically designed to suit every age and ability within the company,” explains SME Advisor’s Guillaume Mariole. “They are designed to bring out the best in all participants and help to include rather than exclude. This enables high levels of trust to be built within teams, which is a sure-fire way to improve the way teams work together.
You might pass Kevin from accounting in the hallway every now and then. Maybe you exchange the odd nicety, but you don’t really know him all that well. Once you find out he’s got a knack for goaltending in floor hockey, you’ll probably have a lot more to talk about and you’ll both work better together as a result.
See Also: What Managers Should Know About Motivating Their Team
Closing Thoughts
Intramural sports aren’t just for kids. They can make you happier and healthier. They can help you meet new people and even make your workplace life considerably better.
Trust me, give them a try. You won’t regret it in the least.
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Author: Brad Wayland
Brad is an entrepreneur, Chiefs fan and the VP of Business Development at BlueCotton, an on-demand t-shirt printing company.
