Think about when the last time was that you played.
Children play all the time; without a purpose, plan or schedule. However, as adults it seems our lives are so busy that we might think about playing, but unless we consciously schedule an activity, another day passes, and we have again missed the opportunity to play.It is time to put the FUN back into our dysFUNctional lives and seek out an activity we could enjoy.
Play for children allows them to discover their limitations. Adults can continue along the path of discovery and gain multiple health benefits along the way. Playing a sport such as Pickleball engages your body and mind and this is a perfect way to ensure physical and mental health throughout adulthood.
Play can take your mind off various stressors that we experience daily, thus giving your body a chance to relax and restore itself. Intellectually stimulating activities are known to reduce one’s risk of dementia and by engaging in a new activity one can increase cognitive thinking and possibly increase your ability to contend with changes that are linked to dementia.
In Pickleball, one needs to learn how to keep score as well as the name of the new people you meet Physical activity assists in stimulating one’s lymphatic system helping to increase energy while strengthening the heart. The releasing of endorphins, contributes to burning off hormones, sugar, and fats often associated with stress and thereby improving quality of sleep.
Pickleball will give you plenty of opportunity to stay active, hitting the wiffle ball, moving about the court and chasing stray balls gives lots of exercise without you even being aware you are exercising. Pickleball is a very social sport and positive social connections are linked to good health. By strengthening personal ties and building a community network, the risk of developing mental illness and physical disease are lessened. Rewarding experiences help us to take on meaningful roles and assist in developing skills to manage life’s challenges.
Pickleball has permitted me to expand my social circle and by meeting new people I have gained a new sense of community spirit. Come out and try Pickleball – sessions are played weekly in Barriere at The Ridge gym. Tuesdays from 2 – 4 p.m. are open play for everyone (three courts) and if you cannot make it on Tuesday, try popping in on a Monday (2-4 p.m.) to see if you can join in. An evening session is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday at the Barriere Seniors Hall (one court). All the equipment is supplied and its FREE your first time ($3.00 after that).
Even in our busy, serious adult lives, there are plenty of opportunities to play.
Of course I’d love to see you at Pickleball, however, Barriere does offer a variety of fun activities that engage you physically, mentally and socially such as volleyball, darts, curling, cross country skiing / snowshoeing, and indoor walking to mention a few.
