2 Ways Soccer Relieves Stress & Anxiety | Complete Soccer Guide (2024)

Soccer is by far and away the most popular sport on the planet. It’s played in most countries to some degree, with many areas having their own league systems. Whatever your ability level is, soccer is a fantastic way to relieve stress, anxiety and depression, and it can do so in multiple ways.

Soccer and Exercise is Great for Your Mind and Body

As everyone knows, exercise is fantastic for the mind and body, so playing the game is an excellent way to enjoy soccer while being kind to yourself. The healthier your body is, the better state your mind will be in, so, the more you play, the better condition you will be in on the whole. You could start with having a kick around with friends, and then move to 5-a-side. There are leagues you can enter from there, which are always fun to play in, especially with friends.

If you have the ability, you could play 11-a-side, and go as far as playing semi-pro, or making it as a professional. Playing soccer in any way, shape or form will allow you to get the heart rate up, and it will release endorphins, otherwise known as happy chemicals, which are fantastic for helping you stave off stress, anxiety and depression. If playing isn’t for you, there are several other ways to use soccer to your advantage.

Read more about why soccer is a great sport for health and wellness:

Soccer is Healthy as a Spectator Sport

You could, for example, watch matches, either live or in person. Watching the action is an exciting and exhilarating experience, especially if your team is winning. You can take the suspense to the next level too, by placing a wager on the outcome. If you’ve never done this before, it’s easy to find out how to place a bet on soccer. It adds a bit of extra spice to the occasion, and you don’t have to spend much, it’s just for fun after all.

The other great side of soccer, which is as crucial as the effects the sport has on the body, is the social aspect it brings to the table. Loneliness can exacerbate conditions such as anxiety and depression tenfold, so by playing football with friends, or by watching games together; you have people you can open up to if you feel comfortable in doing so. And, don’t forget, being around friends is always going to be a fun occasion, which in turn will produce natural highs which you may have been lacking for a while.

For some, their situation means they can’t get out often, so they can’t commit to playing soccer or watching games regularly. But, fear not, the sport has more solutions. Millions around the world play the FIFA game series, and it gets more realistic with each passing year. It’s is a fun game to play, provides an immersive experience, and you can log on and play online with friends as well. So, again, it’s another way to stay sociable, proving soccer, in its many guises, is the perfect stress relief.

2 Ways Soccer Relieves Stress & Anxiety | Complete Soccer Guide (2024)

FAQs

How can soccer relieve stress? ›

Mental health benefits of soccer

One of the best advantages of playing in a team sport is that it provides opportunities to build relationships with other players, sharing experiences thereby reducing symptoms related to mental health. Soccer also boosts endorphins leading to a sense of euphoria which reduces stress.

How to reduce stress and anxiety? ›

Reduce Stress in 10 Minutes and Improve Your Well-Being
  1. Be active—Take a dance break! ...
  2. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
  3. Write three things you are grateful for.
  4. Check in with yourself—take time to ask yourself how you are feeling.
  5. Laugh!

What are the 5 A's of stress management? ›

Learn the “5 A's” to better manage stress, which includes avoiding, altering, adapting, accepting, and being active.

What are the 4 A's of stress management? ›

When your stress level exceeds your ability to cope, you need to restore the balance by reducing the stressors or increasing your ability to cope or both. Try using one of the four A's: avoid, alter, accept or adapt.

How does sports reduce stress and anxiety? ›

Physical activity releases endorphins, the body's natural “happy chemicals” and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Sports are associated with lower rates of stress, anxiety, depression and suicidal behavior.

Why sports can relieve stress? ›

Exercise reduces the levels of stress hormones in your body. At the same time, physical activity stimulates production of endorphins. These are natural mood lifters that can help keep stress and depression at bay. Endorphins may also leave you feeling more relaxed and optimistic after a hard workout on the field.

Is it stress free or stress free? ›

What is the correct way, “hope you have a enjoyable day” or “hope you have an enjoyable day”? The second is wrong. It should be “stress free day.” If “stressed” changed to “stress,” then either would be okay.

How to stop stressing? ›

7 Tips to Avoid Stress
  1. Take care of yourself. Avoid drugs and alcohol as they can add to stress. ...
  2. Engage in self-relaxation. ...
  3. Take breaks when needed. ...
  4. Seek out social support. ...
  5. Connect with others socially. ...
  6. Maintain a normal routine. ...
  7. Give back to others.

Does stress anxiety go away? ›

Anxiety usually goes away once the threat or stressor passes and your system calms down. However, if you have an anxiety disorder, anxiety can linger beyond the triggering event and become out of proportion. Chronic (long-term) or severe anxiety can seriously impair your daily functioning.

What are the 3 C's of stress? ›

Kobasa introduced the concept of psychological hardiness and suggested that hardiness moderates the relationship between stressful life events and illness. Kobasa characterized hardiness as comprising of three components or the 3C's: Commitment, Control, and Challenge.

How to destress yourself? ›

Stress relievers: Tips to tame stress
  1. Get active. Almost any form of physical activity can act as a stress reliever. ...
  2. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet is an important part of taking care of yourself. ...
  3. Avoid unhealthy habits. ...
  4. Meditate. ...
  5. Laugh more. ...
  6. Connect with others. ...
  7. Assert yourself. ...
  8. Try yoga.

What are the 5 C's of stress? ›

The 5Cs are competence, confidence, character, caring, and connection. The anxiety dimensions are Social anxiety, Physical symptoms, Separation anxiety, and Harm avoidance.

What is accept in stress management? ›

Acceptance is a useful tool to relieve stress because it puts you in the driver's seat of your emotions. Instead of feeling like you are being ruled by stress, acceptance provides you with full control of your reactions to stressors.

What is the fourth step in managing stress? ›

Step 1: Identify whether you are stressed. Step 2: Identify your stressor. Step 3: Identify the reason for stressor. Step 4: Identify and apply an appropriate stress management strategy.

What does eustress mean? ›

eu·​stress ˈyü-ˌstres. : a positive form of stress having a beneficial effect on health, motivation, performance, and emotional well-being. … during positive stress ("eustress"), such as a promotion or vacation, feel-good chemicals called endorphins are released.

Why is soccer good for your mental health? ›

teaches you to 'think on the run' helps to increase skills in concentration, persistence and self-discipline. is a great way to meet people and exercise with friends. can provide an opportunity to increase your confidence and self-esteem, and help to reduce anxiety.

What is the best sport for stress relief? ›

Examples include walking, stair climbing, jogging, dancing, bicycling, yoga, tai chi, gardening, weightlifting and swimming. And remember, you don't need to join a gym to get moving. Take a walk with the dog, try body-weight exercises or do a yoga video at home.

How does soccer help with emotional health? ›

Soccer, for instance, can help you with resilience, mental toughness, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities, in addition to helping you with your self-confidence and self-esteem. It also benefits your physical health, stamina, social abilities, self-control, and sense of responsibility.

Which sport is best for stress? ›

5 Stress Relief Sports to Boost Your Mood
  • Hiking. If you're in an area where you can go hiking, get out there asap! ...
  • Walking or Running. Dealing with stressbut nowhere near the woods? ...
  • Yoga. ...
  • Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball & Beyond. ...
  • Swimming, Surfing & Other Water Sports.

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