Why Sports & Arts Programs are Socially Important

If you or your child have ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia, chances are that work and classroom settings are filled with anxiety, stress, and (in extreme cases) even depression. It is hard for anyone to face repeated struggle and come out the other side as the picture of confidence. For this reason, it is crucial to make time for sports and arts programs in addition to work or study.

Sports - and aerobic exercises in particular - help reduce anxiety and increase attention span. But those aren’t the only benefits. Participating in group sports creates an opportunity to experience progress, success, and being valued by peers. These experiences instill confidence, which helps build the motivation to face and overcome intellectual challenges as well.

While it doesn’t always increase the blood flow like aerobic activities, music programs are also excellent means of socialization. Learning a musical instrument creates new neuronal connections in the brain, just like cognitive exercises do. Making music with others also builds confidence by instilling self-worth as part of a group.

Similarly, arts programs are great social interactions for anyone with a learning disability. Because art is inherently about individual expression, adults and children alike are freed from the pressure to perform like everyone else. They can express their feelings in a way that is entirely their own - and be recognized for that. This helps develop self-worth and confidence outside of the academic or work environment.

Improving reading, writing, and spelling are important for those living with a learning disability - but these should not be the sole areas of focus. Sports, music, and art help build a growth mindset and build the confidence needed to continually delve into challenging cognitive exercises and take advantage of neuroplasticity - which is what will, ultimately, change the brain and make things like reasoning and processing easier than before.