Game, Set, Mind: How Tennis Can Boost Your Mental Health
By Your Leisure
Tennis is often celebrated for its physical benefits – agility, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness – but it's also a powerful tool for improving and maintaining mental health. Whether you're rallying in a friendly game or engaging in competitive play, tennis offers more than just exercise; it’s a proven way to lift your mood, reduce stress, and support emotional wellbeing.
The Mind–Body Connection
According to the NHS, regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve mental health. Exercise releases endorphins – the body’s natural mood boosters – which help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The Mental Health Foundation further notes that consistent physical activity can improve sleep, reduce stress, and enhance self-esteem – all critical factors in maintaining good mental health【1】【2】.
Tennis, in particular, is uniquely beneficial because it’s both physically demanding and mentally engaging. It requires focus, strategic thinking, and quick decision-making, helping players to stay present and in the moment – much like mindfulness. This mental stimulation can improve concentration and cognitive function, especially in older adults.
Social Support Through Sport
Loneliness and social isolation are significant contributors to poor mental health. Tennis is inherently a social sport, providing valuable opportunities for connection. Whether you’re joining a coaching group, playing doubles, or participating in a local league, tennis fosters interaction, teamwork, and camaraderie.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the governing body for tennis in Great Britain, actively promotes the mental health benefits of tennis. Through its ‘Tennis Opened Up’ campaign, the LTA aims to make the sport accessible and inclusive, recognising its positive role in mental health and wellbeing. In a recent LTA Mental Health Survey, over 85% of recreational players reported that tennis had a positive effect on their mental wellbeing【3】.
A Sport for All Ages
Tennis is a sport that can be played at almost any age and ability, making it ideal for lifelong mental and physical health. Programmes such as LTA Youth, Walking Tennis, and Open Court are designed to support children, older adults, and disabled players, ensuring that tennis remains inclusive and beneficial for everyone.
The benefits extend across generations. For children and young people, tennis helps build confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement – key attributes for mental wellbeing. For older adults, the physical activity combined with social engagement has been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and feelings of isolation.
Stress Relief and Emotional Balance
Tennis is also a great outlet for stress and emotional release. The act of hitting a ball can be cathartic, offering a healthy way to channel frustration and tension. Moreover, the structure of the game encourages discipline, patience, and emotional control – skills that translate well into everyday life.
In Summary, tennis is more than a sport – it's a natural mood booster, a social lifeline, and a lifelong ally for your mental health. Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or returning after a break, getting on court could be just the support your mind needs.
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Sources:
【1】NHS – Exercise for Mental Health: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/exercise-for-depression/
【2】Mental Health Foundation – Physical Activity: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/physical-activity-and-mental-health
【3】LTA Mental Health & Tennis Campaign: https://www.lta.org.uk/news/how-playing-tennis-can-benefit-your-mental-health/