Posted on the Korea Daily Newspaper on April 13th, 2023, my article focused on how high school students favor soccer as way to relieve stress.
Soccer Love
High school students spend a lot of time completing difficult assignments, which many find boring. Despite many hardships, one hobby that relieves their stress is playing soccer whenever there is some time left over. There are no rules and no limit of players. With one ball, everyone can enjoy soccer.
Soccer is one of many sports offered in high school, and is simple to play. Players only need one ball and two goal nets. Soccer is a team sport; since soccer needs at least two people to play, people can feel more happiness than single sports. This could also could explain why soccer is one of the worldwide sports. Individually, I liked many techniques that one “soccer ball” can perform, rather dribbling or shooting.
Does playing soccer really relieve stress? The answer is yes. Firstly, since soccer involves a lot of physical exercise, it improves one’s cardiovascular health. Additionally, as most sports do, staying active can release chemicals in one’s body called endorphins, which can generate good feelings and thus relieve stress. Additionally, endorphins can help students concentrate, which can positively affect one’s academic progress. By playing soccer, students can both relieve stress and have the energy to enjoy their academic endeavors.
It is important to actively participate in sports when you can because there is limited time for students to enjoy these activities with heavy class loads. As stated above, high school students lack time, as they spend all of their’s barely finishing homework. Furthermore, there are some cases where high school students do not have P.E. classes or only attend health units (without exercises). Lunchtime and after school is the only time to exercise for these students.
For me, I think that playing soccer really helped me to improve my stamina and concentration. I felt it was better to enjoy soccer, which helped me when later working on my assignments. Playing the game helped me to manage my time efficiently and finish my work on time. Playing soccer continuously will eventually help my physical and emotional health.
Hajoon Song, Grade 9, International School of Beijing
A lot of students play soccer whenever there is some time left
[Source: Author, Hajoon Song]
Playing soccer can improve one’s health
[Source: Author, Hajoon Song]