To kick off our Squash the Stigma campaign, we invited Sue Strachan to write a guest post sharing the mental health benefits of squash. Sue is an FSRC and physician with over 36 years of experience working as a doctor. In her spare time she is a keen squash player who is passionate about sport.
As a doctor I can truly say that the physical and mental health benefits of squash are massive.
I gave up squash when I qualified as a doctor and I tried lots of other things but nothing “did it” for me like squash. When I think about it what I missed most was the impact of playing squash on my mental health and wellbeing.
45 minute sessions are standard- quicker than the average gym session! You get a full body exercise you can choose what intensity you play at and for how long. The higher the intensity the bigger the “post exercise buzz”. That “buzz” is produced by the effect of squash on your mental wellbeing. It is the production of your brain’s natural pain killers called “endorphins” and it feels great!
The blood runs faster round your brain too so you can think more clearly and remember things better if you have played squash earlier in the day. It’s a great exercise for students or those who are studying as it helps you learn and also wakes you up for a few hours after you play.
A lunchtime session will perk you up and make you more productive in the afternoon!
Your body gets healthier and stronger almost without you realising as the time passes so quickly because you are playing games. As adults we don’t get to play enough and squash allows you to do that whilst the court session time is just right to fit into a busy life.
Then there is the social aspect of squash. Playing with friends new and old and having a laugh and a joke before, during and after your session is a key part of maximising the benefits of squash on your mental wellbeing.
Squash is the perfect sport for a busy life and I would recommend it to anyone. Just find a club near you and enquire about beginner or returner sessions and remember to play with a bouncy enough ball to ensure that you have the best fun as you learn.
As part of our Squash the Stigma campaign, we are encouraging members of Scotland’s squash community to anonymously share their own squash related mental health stories. We will share some of these on social media as part of the campaign. If you would like to share yours, click here.
FAQs
That “buzz” is produced by the effect of squash on your mental wellbeing. It is the production of your brain's natural pain killers called “endorphins” and it feels great! The blood runs faster round your brain too so you can think more clearly and remember things better if you have played squash earlier in the day.
Is squash good for mental health? ›
That “buzz” is produced by the effect of squash on your mental wellbeing. It is the production of your brain's natural pain killers called “endorphins” and it feels great! The blood runs faster round your brain too so you can think more clearly and remember things better if you have played squash earlier in the day.
What does playing squash do to your body? ›
Squash is an indoor racquet sport that is usually played by two or four players and combines quick thinking and hand-eye co-ordination. Typically a fast-moving sport, it is suited to all ages of any physical ability and can help improve aerobic fitness, stamina, strength and flexibility.
Why is squash the best sport? ›
Squash is considered the perfect sport to get a fit body in a short time. This is because in an intense squash match you can burn more calories in just 30 minutes than in any other sport. In addition, you work out all the muscles of your body.
Is it OK to eat squash everyday? ›
While the high beta-carotene content in squash can provide many benefits, studies also suggest that consuming too much of this compound can increase the risk of lung cancer. In addition, some types of prepared squash include high amounts of added sugar.
Is squash good for the brain? ›
Winter squashes such as butternut squash, acorn squash, and pumpkin are full of beta carotene, a type of carotenoid. Recent research shows that carotenoid supplements help improve memory and verbal skills. Butternut squash also serves up a healthy dose of: Antioxidants.
Is it OK to drink squash everyday? ›
While drinking water will always be the best way to stay hydrated, a glass or two of squash a day will offer the same hydrating benefits and is unlikely to cause any harm – especially if it's sugar-free.
What happens when you eat a lot of squash? ›
Your digestion will improve
“Improved digestion is one short-term change someone might see when incorporating squash into the diet due to its high-fiber content,” Michalczyk says. If you aren't used to eating fiber-rich foods, incorporating squash into your diet may cause some digestive discomfort at first.
What does squash do to your stomach? ›
Digestive Health
Butternut squash provides a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber. Both work together to promote regular bowel movements and keep them soft so they are easier to pass.
What is the healthiest type of squash? ›
Butternut Squash
Per cup, butternut also offers 3 grams of fiber to benefit gut health. Due to it's high antioxidant activity, and presence of the carotenoid zeaxanthin, research has suggested butternut squash may help protect your eyes from macular degeneration, support heart health and play a role in immune function.
Yellow squash can be eaten cooked or raw -- either way provides you with lots of nutrition. (Although you'll lose some of the water content when you cook the squash.) It's low-calorie, low-sugar, and its fiber and water content can help you stay fuller, longer.
Is squash healthier than potatoes? ›
Exhibit B: While both are high in B vitamins, the squash is higher in folate, a must in the diets future and soon-to-be mamas, as well as mega-antioxidant vitamin E, and bone-building calcium. However, the squash must concede when it comes to fiber content, with the sweet potato taking first place (4 grams vs.
What are the disadvantages of playing squash? ›
impact injuries – for example, getting hit with a ball or a racquet or crashing into a wall. head and eye injuries – getting hit by a ball or racquet. heat stress – symptoms include dizziness and drop in performance. overuse injuries – such as tendonitis of the elbow ('tennis elbow').
Is squash hard on the body? ›
It targets the major muscles
Squash is a full body workout. Obviously players' arms get a workout as they whip the ball around the court but this compound movement also strengthens wrists and back muscles. It also requires short sprints which need fast-twitch muscles to be firing at all times.
Which food is best for mental health? ›
Foods that help decrease systemic inflammation in the body – such as turmeric, ginger, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, tomatoes, berries, green leafy vegetables and olive oil – can help you feel better physically and mentally.
What vegetables are good for mental health? ›
The researchers narrowed down the top 10 raw fruits and vegetables they found to be associated with better mental health and fewer symptoms of depression. These include carrots, dark leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, cucumber, apples, bananas, grapefruit, other citrus fruits, fresh berries, and kiwifruit.
Is squash good for hormones? ›
Fruits, certain veggies, and whole grains have a high fiber content, which helps regulate estrogen. Reach for root veggies like sweet potatoes, squash, and carrots to accompany whole grains like quinoa and brown rice. Don't ditch the starch completely! Starches can help your body regulate melatonin and cortisol levels.
