How does playing a sport relate to self-love?

The 10 Mental Benefits of Sports for Teens

This article includes scientifically based research on the psychological benefits of playing a sport during teenage years. 

If you have suffered from depression or mental health issues, you can probably recall being told that exercise will fix it. Now, there is no fix-all solution for mental illness, but the most common advice that is given is to get out and get active. And while this may sound silly, it is not a baseless argument. It is scientifically proven that exercising or playing a sport does improve your state of mind. Physical activity releases endorphins (happy chemicals) and promotes serotonin production, which plays a key role in mood stability and long-term happiness. This helps lower the risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors and decreases stress. Playing a team sport is a great way to build trust and community with others, and can help you integrate smoothly into society if you are struggling to make friends or get out of your shell. Working in a team with others also promotes positive relationships. Socialization has significant benefits on self-esteem, and often engaging with others can help you become more comfortable with your identity. Having goals to work towards is a strong motivator, and reaching those aspirations provokes a sense of pride and satisfaction that improves self-esteem as well.  Other positive impacts from sports include improved determination, confidence, problem-solving skills, and executive function. Exercise is also a fantastic way to relieve stress in a healthy and positive manner. With the combination of more endorphins and mood stability, social interaction, and improved self-esteem, your mental health and self-image are greatly improved by playing a sport.

The impact mental health and education have on each other.

Five Ways Education Can Improve Your Confidence
This article includes a short list of skills gained from going to school/getting an education and how they can make you more confident. 
    *Linked in the bottom section "Additional articles" is a great writing on how schools can help support the mental health of their students. This article was referenced for this section as well. 

School and mental health are closely linked and affect each other in several ways. On its own, learning has a very positive influence on a person's self-image. Getting good grades and advancing in school motivates students to do their best and keep trying. Working through problems teaches resilience and determination, and shows that when you put work in, you reap the rewards. Success in school promotes a positive self-image by being able to take pride in your work and achievements. The incentive for improvement is unlimited, through goals to strive for and constant opportunities for growth because there is always more to learn. Going to school is great for social interactions, developing people skills, forming relationships, and improving communication. All of these combined make for a self-esteem boost and build a better self-image. But despite the positive effects, the environment students are in plays a huge role in how they feel towards learning. Most schools do the bare minimum for students' mental well-being, which is a shame because it can cause students to be apprehensive about going every day. Most schools do not provide basic mental health training to their teachers or teach students about mental health in class. Kids spend the vast majority of their day at school for a minimum of 12 years, yet teachers are not instructed on how to identify signs of mental illness or what to do if they notice any red flags. Teachers are not expected to be therapists or doctors, but being able to help and support those who are struggling and refer them to proper resources if necessary would be an incredible aid. The stereotype of the overworked, overstressed college student who is burning the candle at both ends is an unfortunate reality for many. Yet most schools still don't take action to help that student but put the onus on them to find the resources themselves. Having an appointed person, such as a counselor, and an on-site location for students to go to if they need someone to talk to, help, or take a break would be a great stride. If the school can be a safe place for students and help to promote a positive environment, a healthy relationship with learning will remain and well-being and mental health will be better.

How does your hobby help your brain?