Significance of sports and playtime in students’ curriculum

Imparting education has always been associated with academics and the world lurking around gigantic books. Academics have always taken the centre stage, while extra-curricular activities have been pushed to the periphery. This is the scene where students face the compulsion to focus on their academic lives and give negligible importance to their playful side. With the fast-paced life and increasing competition among the youth, things have rather taken a challenging turn, with the youth being rushed into extensive studying hours without sparing the playing time.

Excessive indulgence in academics and long study hours without regular breaks or sports engagement will negatively impact a student. Pressurizing students beyond their limits will wreak havoc on their mental health. Hence, schools should bring forth some revolutionary changes that could help blossom the free-spirited energy of the students and pave their way to a progressive path. These changes should curb the heightened academic emphasis burdened on students over the years and shift the importance of sports and other outdoor activities, thereby establishing a balance between the two. Schools should take the lead in emphasizing the importance of sports in the students’ lives and encourage parents to introduce the same under their guidance. This approach will set an example among schools that hardly pay heed to the sports culture for their children’s growth.

Sports or any outdoor activities have the potential to bring out the best in every student. The growth and creativity the parents want their children to attain are not possible by depending on academics alone. Exposure to regular sporting events from a young age will drastically contribute to a student’s productivity. Engagement in sports will open arenas of the mind which keeps the brain active. Active participation in sports enhances the cognitive and memory functions of the brain, which aids students in performing better in tests and academics. Traits of discipline and perseverance, attained from sporting activities, also play a significant part in enhancing academic performance.

 In a nutshell, sports not only keep one’s physical health under check but also establishes peace with mental health.