Let’s face it, life can get overwhelming. But who knew the answer might be hiding on a badminton-sized court with a weird (but strangely wonderful) name? Pickleball, has taken the United States by storm and now it’s expanding beyond the land of stars and stripes as players for fun, competitive nature and wealth of health and wellness advantages.
Since October 2023 I’ve spoken to hundreds of players who their pickleball mental health benefits, based on their own unique experiences. From beating depression, reducing anxiety and panic attacks, picklers around the world are using the sport as a tool to live a happier, low stress life.
Pickleball for Mental Health
Here’s why I, Matt, a pickleball enthusiast, became a true believer:
Clear Mind:
ADHD doesn’t hamper my daily life, but it does mean my mind is always racing with ideas, usually about my next business venture or travel adventure. All these thoughts are tiring and on some weeks, I’d feel like it was Friday on a Tuesday afternoon. Pickleball provided the perfect escape. It taught me to live in the moment and enjoy the company around me and the game itself. Now, I walk off the court with a clear mind, I feel refreshed and I am less anxious.
Gives You Purpose:
If you’ve dealt with depression, you’ll know we often feel worthless and have no sense of purpose or direction. Well pickleball provides purpose. Once the bug bites we want to get better and have different goals. For some, you might want to be like our friend Nikkol and reach a 4.0 rating. Alternatively, you might want to get better to finally beat your buddy in a match. We all have that factor that drives us.
Two Steps Ahead:
Pickleball isn’t quiet chess, but it forces you to think at least two steps ahead. For example, you decide to serve deep and force your opponent onto the defensive. Your opponent mishits the ball and just gets it over the net. Since you anticipated this result, you are already up at the non volley zone, ready to finish off the point.
Building A Community:
Mental health sufferers can feel alone in this world as I did throughout my teens and emerging adulthood. Pickleball helps you build a community with diverse individuals who share a passion for the same sport. Doubles is the best way to make a lifelong friend, and having them by your side reduces anxiety and boosts your self confidence.
Pickleball is Fun
A recent study by Pickleball Bits revealed that 25% of pickleball players participate in the sport because it’s fun. The entry barrier is low, the rallies are fast and you need the reflexes of spiderman. The adrenaline, competition and pure enjoyment leaves you little time to think about the negatives aspects of your life.
When the match is over you go out with your pickleball buddies and spend hours enjoying each others company, again leaving no time to channel the blues.
Verdict: Are Pickleball Mental Health Benefits Real?
Yes, pickleball mental health benefits are real, because physical activity enhances your mental stimulation and helps you manage stress. While, these benefits ring true with other physical activity, pickleball is the most fun form of exercise around.
After hearing the stories of hundreds of other pickleball players and correlating them with my own experience, I am confident that the pickleball health benefits are real. Here is a recap of the advantages:
1. Clears your mind
2. Gives you purpose
3. Keeps you two steps ahead
4. Buils a community
5. Pickleball is fun