Skateboarding, often perceived as a carefree activity, actually demands significant mental and physical discipline. It’s more than just a sport; it’s a practice that cultivates valuable life skills, contributing to long-term psychological, physical, and social benefits. A recent study by the Pullias Center for Higher Education highlighted how skateboarding enhances critical thinking and strengthens interpersonal skills, providing a stress outlet and fostering inclusivity. Let’s explore fifteen ways skateboarding can positively impact your mental health.
1. Skateboarding: A Fun Workout
Skaters enjoying themselves at a skatepark
Skateboarding provides an engaging alternative to traditional workouts like running or cycling. It’s not only fun but also a great way to stay in shape. An hour of skateboarding can burn between 400 and 800 calories, making it an effective physical activity. Like other forms of exercise, skateboarding improves brain function by boosting blood flow, which enhances decision-making, creativity, and memory. Additionally, the release of endorphins during a skate session reduces stress and anxiety, and helps prevent symptoms of depression. Skateboarding’s impact on mental health extends well beyond the physical benefits.
2. Skateboarding Creates a Sense of Community
Beyond the physical act of riding, skateboarding fosters a strong sense of community and belonging. It connects people of all ages, backgrounds, and social statuses, allowing skaters to form deep bonds with others who share the same passion, even across vast distances. This inclusive community welcomes everyone, which can be especially beneficial for individuals feeling isolated or struggling with mental health issues. For some, a skateboard even becomes a close companion, providing a source of enjoyment and companionship.
3. Skateboarding Helps Manage Anxiety
Skateboarding reduces anxiety by placing individuals in situations that provoke anxiety. The desire to improve forces skaters to confront fears, developing a sense of control over their thoughts. This is particularly helpful for those who tend to ruminate or overthink. The focus and dedication required in skateboarding help to put aside limiting beliefs and fears, enabling skaters to achieve their goals. For example, a skater about to attempt a difficult jump must override fear, believing in their ability instead of succumbing to anxiety.
4. Overcoming Fears Through Skateboarding
A skateboarder preparing to drop into a quarter pipe
Every skater has experienced the fear of injury when first stepping onto a board. That fear never fully disappears, especially when attempting new tricks or skating unfamiliar spots. The first attempt is often the hardest. Contrary to popular belief, skaters are not reckless; they take calculated risks. When a skater jumps down a 10-stair set, they have usually worked up to that point, practicing the trick countless times before. Conquering a challenging trick reduces fear over time, making it feel as commonplace as walking.
5. Skateboarding as a Creative Outlet
Skateboarding encourages creativity, without strict rules or limitations. While trends and styles exist, the essence of skateboarding is nonconformity. The way tricks are executed and the unique style a skater displays are more significant than the tricks themselves. It’s an art form, allowing for self-expression and innovative ways to have fun with the board. Like other art forms, skateboarding provides stress relief, a way to express inner thoughts, and even a meditative experience.
6. Skateboarding Builds Resilience
Skateboarding stands out for instilling resilience, because falling and getting back up is an inherent part of the process. While trials and errors are essential for improvement in any activity, skateboarding is characterized by frequent failures, which can be painful, both mentally and physically. This means new skaters quickly learn the importance of perseverance. The resilience developed through skateboarding is transferable to life, helping individuals cope with adversity and navigate uncomfortable situations.
7. Skateboarding Promotes Mindfulness
In our screen-filled, information-heavy society, where we are often preoccupied with the past or future, skateboarding brings you into the present moment. When skating, worries and stress tend to fade because your mind is fully engaged with your board and body. This intense focus makes it a mindful activity with benefits like improved sleep quality and reduced blood pressure. It requires complete mental and physical focus to create a sense of unity with the skateboard, almost making it an extension of the body.
8. The Importance of Patience in Skateboarding
Skateboarding is a humbling practice. One day everything clicks and the next, nothing seems to work, causing a feeling of regression. Landing a new trick might take a few tries, or require a month of practice. It’s important to not let emotions take over. Losing your temper slows down progress, while staying calm allows for a more analytical approach to correct mistakes. Patience and acceptance are vital, as anger and disappointment can hinder a skater’s journey.
9. Boosting Self-Esteem Through Skateboarding
Skateboarder performing an ollie over multiple decks
Skateboarding emphasizes progression. The goal isn’t about being better than anyone else, but about improving compared to your past self. This continual sense of progress provides a sense of purpose and a stream of challenges. Skateboarding can reduce shyness and help get over caring about what others think. Since falling in front of others is common, you learn to focus on yourself and your surroundings, regardless of the crowd. This also helps with concentration issues. Getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things greatly boosts self-confidence.
10. Skateboarding: More Than Just a Sport, It’s a Lifestyle
Skateboarding is more than just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that changes how you see the world around you. Once you pick up a board, the city becomes a playground with stairs becoming gaps, and benches turning into ledges. This new perspective can make skateboarding a prominent part of your thought process, which offers a healthier way to stay focused and engaged.
11. Staying Active Through Skateboarding, Regardless of Age
Skateboarding is a fantastic way for people of all ages to stay active. From teenagers to adults, it keeps you moving. Even a leisurely ride on a cruiser board can be enjoyable. Former skaters can find the activity to be rewarding and a great way to stay fit without complex tricks. Skateboarding provides a sense of purpose and makes you feel great. It’s an activity that clicks for many, and never gets boring.
12. The Supportive Nature of Skateboarding
The skateboarding community is typically very supportive, regardless of skill level. Landing a new trick is often met with cheers and high-fives, creating a positive and encouraging environment. This supportive culture is passed down through generations and teaches skaters to support others in their lives as well.
13. Sharing Skateboarding with Your Kids
As you get older and start a family, skateboarding allows you to be the cool parent. Kids often look up to skaters, so having a parent who still skates is exciting. Teaching your kids to skateboard is a great way to bond and share a mutual love for the activity, improving the parent-child relationship.
14. Skateboarding Keeps You Young at Heart
Exercise in general helps keep your body young and healthy, but skateboarding seems to have a unique effect. It is not uncommon for older skaters to still be excited about new gear and board designs. Interacting with younger skaters while sharing a common interest helps maintain a youthful spirit. Even if your body reminds you of your age, skateboarding can keep your mind and enthusiasm young.
15. Skateboarding Provides Safety and Inclusivity
Recent research has found that skaters of color feel more accepted within the skateboarding community. However, the study also showed that female skaters still face gender-based biases, indicating a need for greater inclusiveness in skateboarding, which is still largely a male-dominated activity.
The mental health benefits of skateboarding are substantial. It offers a fun way to exercise, builds community, manages anxiety, and teaches valuable life skills. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned skater, the sport has much to offer for your well-being.
