The last-minute penalty shot that wins the tournament.

最後關頭逆轉勝的罰球。

The high-energy training montages.

能量爆棚的訓練剪輯影片。

Many people love to glorify victory on the playing field, cheer for favorite teams, and play sports.

很多人喜歡在運動場上歡慶勝利、為喜愛的隊伍加油，以及做運動。

But here's a question: Should we be so obsessed with sports?

但問題來了：我們應該對運動如此著迷嗎？

Is playing sports actually as good for us as we make it out to be?

做運動的好處真的就如同我們所設想的嗎？

Or just a fun and entertaining pastime?

抑或只是好玩且具娛樂性的消遣？

What does science have to say?

科學又可以告訴我們什麼呢？

First of all, it's well accepted that exercise is good for our bodies and minds.

首先，大家都公認運動對身體以及心智都是有益的。

And that's definitely true.

而這也絕對沒錯。

Exercising, especially when we're young, has all sorts of health benefits, like strengthening our bones, clearing out bad cholesterol from our arteries, and decreasing the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

做運動，尤其是我們還年輕的時候，對健康有無數種好處，像是強健筋骨、排出動脈內的壞膽固醇，並降低中風、高血壓、糖尿病的風險。

Our brains also release a number of chemicals when we work out, including endorphins.

我們在運動健身時，大腦也會釋放出一些化學物質，其中包括腦內啡。

These natural hormones, which control pain and pleasure responses in the central nervous system, can lead to feelings of euphoria, or what's often called a runner's high.

這些天然的賀爾蒙會控制中央神經系統的疼痛以及愉悅反應，可以製造興奮的感覺，或是俗稱的跑者愉悅感。

Increased endorphins and consistent physical activity in general can sharpen your focus and improve your mood and memory.

一般來說，增加的腦內啡和持續的生理活動會增強你的注意力，也會改善你的心情和記憶力。

So, does that mean we get just as much benefit going to the gym 5 days a week as we would joining a team and competing?

那這是否表示我們一週去 5 次健身房和加入隊伍並參加比賽一樣好呢？

Well, here's where it gets interesting.

嗯，這就是有趣的地方了。

Because it turns out that if you can find a sport and a team you like, studies show that there are all sorts of benefits that go beyond the physical and mental benefits of exercise alone.

因為研究發現，如果你可以找到一個喜歡的運動和團隊，其益處之多，遠超過純運動提供的生理和心理益處。

Some of the most significant are psychological benefits, both in the short and long term.

其中最顯著的，就是短期和長期看來的精神助益。

Some of those come from the communal experience of being on a team.

有一些好處是因為在一個團隊裡所共同擁有的經驗。

For instance, learning to trust and depend on others, to accept help, to give help, and to work together towards a common goal.

舉例來說，學習相信他人、依靠他人、接受幫助、給予幫助，並一起努力朝共同目標前進。

In addition, commitment to a team and doing something fun can also make it easier to establish a regular habit of exercise.

此外，投入團隊並進行有趣的活動也可以更容易地建立規律的運動習慣。

School sport participation has also been shown to reduce the risk of suffering from depression for up to 4 years.

參與校內體育活動也可以將為憂鬱所苦的機率減低多達 4 年。

Meanwhile, your self-esteem and confidence can get a big boost.

同時，你的自尊和自信心也能夠大大地增強。

There are a few reasons for that.

這是有幾個原因的。

One is found in training.

其中一個可以在訓練中發現。

Just by working and working at skills, especially with a good coach, you reinforce a growth mindset within yourself.

只要藉由不斷努力、磨練技巧，再搭配優秀的教練，你就能夠增強自己的成長心態。

That's when you say, "Even if I can't do something today, I can improve myself through practice and achieve it eventually."

這時你就會說：「就算今天做不到，我終究可以靠練習來進步，最後達成目標」。

That mindset is useful in all walks of life.

這種心態無論在哪個行業都很有用。

And then there's learning through failure.

然後還有透過失敗學習。

One of the most transformative, long-term benefits of playing sports.

這是做運動最具變革性且長期的好處。

The experience of coming to terms with defeat can build the resilience and self-awareness necessary to manage academic, social, and physical hurdles.

這些逐漸接受失敗的經驗可以培養恢復力和自我意識，有助於處理學業、交際及生理各方面的障礙。

So even if your team isn't winning all the time, or at all, there's a real benefit to your experience.

所以就算你的團隊不是常勝軍，甚至根本沒贏過，對於經驗累積還是有實質好處的。

Now, not everyone will enjoy every sport.

不過，不是所有人都喜歡每一種運動。

Perhaps one team is too competitive, or not competitive enough.

或許某個隊伍對某人來說太好競爭，或是不夠有競爭力。

It can also take time to find a sport that plays to your strengths.

你也可能花上一段時間找到一項符合自己長處的運動。

That's completely okay.

這是完全沒問題的。

But if you spend some time looking, you'll be able to find a sport that fits your individual needs.

不過如果你願意花一些時間尋找，你就能夠找到一項適合你個人需求的運動。

And if you do, there are so many benefits.

如果你找到了，就會有許許多多的好處。

You'll be a part of a supportive community.

你就會成為能互相鼓勵的群體一員。

You'll be building your confidence.

你將會開始建立自信心。

You'll be exercising your body.

你將會活動你的身體。

And you'll be nurturing your mind.

你同時也會滋養你的心靈。

Not to mention having fun.

而能夠樂在其中，更是不用多說了。