The Athletic Healing Ideology: How Athletics Can Help Youth Navigate Mental and Behavioral Health Challenges

The connection between mind and body has been something that has been studied for decades, and something that has been practiced for centuries. As childhood has essentially moved indoors, and has become more centered around technology, we have witnessed a disconnect between the outside world, nature, and all it has to offer the kids we serve. This is why we emphasize participation in athletic activities at Rite of Passage programs.

Forms of outdoor recreation help youth engage all five senses and therefore increase the capacity of their brain to learn, see more options, and think more clearly. In a sense, outdoor recreation brings the body and mind back to homeostasis leading to better whole health wellness. At Rite of Passage, we recognize that engaging youth in sports, outdoor play, and team focused activities in nature also builds character, confidence, and leadership abilities. 

This plays a vital role in establishing long-term healthy habits that allow youth to recover from past traumas and feel hope for the future. Not only do we give students access to many different forms of athletic activities including normalized high school athletics like football, basketball, and track and field, but we also offer various other diverse sports and activities that aren’t always offered at typical high schools. This could include swimming, cycling, skiing, and more. The Athletic Healing Ideology

Scientifically, these recreational activities (especially ones that support long-distance participation) enhance physical endurance which has a direct correlation to reducing stress levels, especially toxic stress, which can lead to more serious mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. By helping kids find their “natural medicine” through athletic activities and being out in nature, their bodies release endorphins and regulate dopamine, creating natural defenses against mental health issues.

This has also been shown to reduce substance abuse tendencies because kids feel “normal and functioning” compared to previous moments where drugs may have been a way to escape traumatic pasts. One of the activities that has been a major piece of our history is our cycling programs. Cycling has a unique way of engaging our student athletes in their own futures and own successes. Cycling, as well as many other outdoor recreation athletic activities, gives time to youth and staff members to create strong mentorship relationships and create new experiences to hold dear. Activities like these encourage lessons learned through play, cooperation, and shared knowledge to successfully complete activities and when necessary, fail, to learn more about themselves. The Athletic Healing Ideology: How Athletics Can Help Youth Navigate Mental and

Providing experiential approaches for the youth in the youth services industry is a priority for Rite of Passage because we know it makes a difference. Positive experiences and mentorship relationships allow the brain to form new neural pathways and create a fresh view of what is possible. This creates hope, a forward-looking vision for the future, and critical thinking and decision-making skills that help kids thrive. By creating safe and positive experiences in a youth’s life, we fulfill our mission of improving the lives of youth and creating a ripple effect of healing for families and communities.

The Athletic Healing Ideology: How Athletics Can Help Youth Navigate Mental and Behavioral Health Challenges