A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Waterloo has found that participating in active sporting hobbies such as fitness classes and drop-in sports can significantly reduce stress levels and increase perfomance in academic and personal challenges during social upheaval. The study also found that these benefits extend beyond the physical health benefits that come with exercise.
Methodology and Results
The study used self-reported responses from 116 students who were active in campus recreational sports at two periods of time: January 2020, before the pandemic, and April 2020, after lockdowns had begun. The researchers found that participation in these activities before the pandemic was linked to lower levels of stress and higher levels of perceived competence in handling challenges and managing academic workload during lockdown.
The researchers used factor and regression analyses to determine the impact of campus recreational activities on reducing stress. They found that the benefits of participating in active sporting hobbies went beyond just physical health and contributed to overall well-being. Additionally, they found that these hobbies helped students develop key skills such as adaptability, which helped them manage pandemic-related setbacks.
Implications for Educational Institutions
The study’s findings suggest that active sporting hobbies can play a critical role in enhancing student mental health and well-being, especially during periods of societal disruption like the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers recommend that educational institutions consider including campus recreational sports as a strategy to offset stress and develop lifelong skills.
The study also revealed that graduate students and international students had very low participation in campus recreational sports before the pandemic, which has wellness implications for these two groups of students. By promoting and encouraging participation in active sporting hobbies, educational institutions can help these students develop key skills, reduce their stress levels during times of societal disruption, enhance their well-being and to manage academic workload more effectively.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of active sporting hobbies in reducing stress and increasing academic perfomance during periods of societal disruption.
