Sport is often associated with physical performance, endurance, or physique. But beyond muscle effort, movement holds another often underestimated power: its ability to transform the mind. As mental health issues surge in modern societies, the connection between physical activity and psychological balance is becoming an essential path. While not a miracle cure, sport can serve as a tool for prevention, resilience, and even recovery.

Inspired by the book How Sport Boosts Mental Health by Léwis Verdun, this article explores how physical activity acts as a driver of mental well-being. Rather than summarizing the book, we’ll dive into a related theme: the role of sport in building a more resilient society in the face of mental health challenges — a public health issue with both individual and collective implications.

Sport: A Gentle Weapon Against Mental Fragility

The World Health Organization estimates that one in eight adults globally lives with a mental disorder. Depression, anxiety, burnout — these invisible conditions affect all environments and generations. In the face of this silent epidemic, healthcare systems are seeking sustainable alternatives to medication.

This is where sport comes in. Regular physical activity promotes the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins — commonly known as the "happiness hormones." Studies show that exercise acts as a natural antidepressant by reducing cortisol, the stress hormone.

Beyond biological effects, sport brings structure to thoughts, creates routines, and restores motivation. It serves as a lifeline during periods of doubt or vulnerability.

Physical Activity as a Social Bond and Factor of Cohesion

In a society where isolation is on the rise, spaces for physical activity are also spaces of social connection. Sports clubs, associations, walking or fitness groups foster belonging, break loneliness, and encourage mutual support.

For vulnerable populations — disconnected youth, isolated seniors, people with disabilities — sport becomes a vehicle for inclusion. It restores a sense of place, identity, and recognition. Group activities strengthen self-worth, confidence, and positive interactions.

On the educational front, integrating compassionate physical activity approaches in schools or underserved communities supports emotional regulation in children and teens. It’s no coincidence that many prevention programs now use sport as a mediation tool.

Public Policy: Still Too Cautious

Although the mental health benefits of sport are now well documented, public offerings remain unequal. Between underserved areas, outdated facilities, and prohibitive costs, access to sport is far from universal. And yet, for physical activity to play its full preventive role, it must be viewed as a fundamental right, on par with education and healthcare.

Some municipalities are innovating in this regard: sport-on-prescription programs, urban walking trails, subsidies for inclusive sports associations... but these initiatives remain isolated. Léwis Verdun’s book highlights the urgency of a systemic approach: promoting accessible, pressure-free sport within supportive, inclusive environments.

This also means training sports professionals to understand the psychological dimension of their work. Coaches, trainers, and teachers are not therapists, but they can become valuable allies in promoting mental well-being.

Mental Health and Physical Activity: Practical Advice for All

For beginners or sedentary individuals:
Start with 15 minutes of brisk walking per day
Choose gentle activities like yoga, swimming, or cycling
Join a group for motivation and accountability

For children and teens:
Make sport a source of enjoyment, not performance
Encourage team sports, dance, or martial arts
Balance screen time with physical activity

For people with anxiety or depression:
Opt for rhythmic activities (running, boxing, fitness) to release tension
Focus on consistency rather than performance
Alternate between effort and recovery phases

For seniors:
Practice balance and light muscle-strengthening exercises
Join group classes tailored to their age
Prioritize outdoor activities for a mood boost

Mental health is no longer a taboo. It stands at the heart of today’s challenges. As mental disorders continue to rise, sport is not a miracle cure, but it is an accessible, natural, and powerful strategy for restoring balance and self-esteem — as long as it’s practiced with compassion, far from performance pressure or body image obsessions.

The book How Sport Boosts Mental Health by Léwis Verdun sheds light on these crucial issues with clarity and insight. A true guide for action and reflection, it’s aimed at educators, policymakers, parents, and citizens committed to building a healthier society.

Discover How Sport Boosts Mental Health now on FIVE MINUTES!