Human body is not
designed to be idle and the more active life one leads, the more are the
chances of the body cooperating with you as you age.
In fact, doctors
warn that a seemingly harmless activity like being stationary in one place is
extremely harmful to our health.
In many western
countries, the practice of being seated while working is discouraged. Instead,
employees stand on their feet as they work. They are also encouraged to take
short and energetic walks around the office at regular intervals.
Most children
today follow sedentary lifestyles. The reasons are many and range from lack of
open spaces and playgrounds to an overemphasis on academics.
Consider the
ill-effects of such a lifestyle:
● Lack of fresh air hinders our
ability to think clearly.
● Deficiency of vitamin D (the Sun is
a source) makes our bone brittle.
● Absence of physical activity weakens
our lungs and makes us not only vulnerable to respiratory diseases, but also
makes breathing at high altitudes a real chore.
But, the most
worrying part is prevalence of obesity in children, which puts them at a great
risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
The solution?
An active
lifestyle, spending more time outdoors, and taking part in sports and physical
activities.
Should Sports be given much more
prominence in schools than is being done now, at least in our country?
Absolutely.
Purpose of education is to prepare the children to face the real world.
Sports helps
children to take on the challenges life has to offer confidently, by being:
● A
great leveller: In
sports, only your ability to perform counts. A student can find his/her calling
in sports, even if they are not academically exceptional.
● A
great unifier: Watch
a cricket match, preferably between India and Pakistan, in a public place. All
distinctions are erased, and all barriers are broken down.
● A
great teacher: You
discover the virtues of teamwork. It helps you discover the qualities you did
not know you possessed. It brings out the best in you.
● A
great philosopher:
Sports teaches you to stay humble and rooted. It teaches you not to gloat over
your own successes, and also not be bogged down by temporary setbacks.
● A
great discipliner:
Inculcating great discipline is essential to leading a successful life - both
personal and professional. Sports teaches us to lead a disciplined life.
Sports also
teaches us the value of effective communication, and selflessness.
Sports is a
complete package of life lessons, a
great combination of the physical and cerebral.
One sets out to
strengthen the body through sports, and sports rewards you with a bonus in
return - mental toughness, the best quality of all.