Resilience is the ability to bounce back from a negative situation – a trait not just required in Sports but equally important in life.
The earliest sport I competed in was a 25m race. I was just 4 years old. It is etched in my memory not because I won it, but because I froze at the starting line. Can’t fathom the reason, but I cried, and just to stop the bawling, I was given the consolation prize. Certainly not a great start to my foray into the world of sports, but this taught me that to succeed you have to try.
As the years progressed, I made it to the school, college & university teams of football, cricket, athletics (track & field), squash & tennis. I dabbled in every sport I got the chance simply because it gave me happiness. Sports has also taught me to be disciplined in life. It is a lifestyle change! Your diet, sleep patterns, training – come rain or sun, the small sacrifices and the never-say-die attitude.
My best friends from across the world are those I met either in a marathon or on a tennis court. The bond that connects us is special because we know the pain that one has gone through in training. On the field, the spirit of competitiveness is always high, and off the field, we share a friendly relationship.
Athletes get a “high” because they experience a rush of happy hormones after exercise. The release of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin makes you more alert and improves your concentration. Endorphins help in combating stress. Among other things, dopamine is released by the brain for athletes to focus better. Serotonin regulates sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, and appetite and lowers pain sensitivity. this makes training all the more fun.
In my corporate career, I have always tried to motivate people to get into this lifestyle as it has tremendous benefits. I am proud to say that there are quite a few people who have hooked on to sports and thank me for it.
For those not yet immersed in sports, start with walking. It is the cheapest form of exercise with excellent benefits. Walk for 30 minutes at a stretch per day. Do this for 21 days and see it transform into a habit.
And on the days your spirit seems to hide, ask yourself – Do you have it in you to get fitter?
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