Engaging in co-curricular activities is not only at the heart of learning but also very integral to the growth and health of young adults.
Some of the benefits of engaging in co-curricular activities include:
Intellectual growth
Quick decision making and intelligence during games can help save a team.
It’s therefore important to note that skills gained in participating in co-curricular activities can help students in class work and life in general.
Physical health
Sports or any other forms of co-curricular activity help students unwind and let off steam. They serve as the best antidote to academic stress, family struggles and poor self esteem among others.
Most importantly, through co-curricular activities, the excess energy students have is seamlessly utilized.
Emotional and mental health
Sports help in releasing hormones. When learners laugh, jeer, cheer or sometimes cry, they achieve the body’s required free state of equilibrium.
In fact, the same addictive component of dopamine found in cocaine is the same pleasure seeking experience students can find when engaging in sports.
School culture
In America, sports and cheerleaders teams are synonymous with high school life. In South Africa, we have the excellent orchestras. In New Zealand, we have high school rugby.
Such traditions in schools form an identity for the students and make them burst with pride for their schools. At home, in Kenya, some schools need no introduction when it comes to sports.
In conclusion, one of the main reasons students are in school is to have an ideal environment for optimal growth in all spheres of life.
We should therefore embrace co-curricular activities as part and parcel of school life since we’re all aware that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
By Mike Ochieng
The writer is a team builder/lay preacher/education psychologist/teacher .
He is also the founder of gorba total wellness services.
You can reach him through 0714904165./gorbagym@gmail.com/mikeochieng11@gmail.com
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