Skills, Confidence & Success: How Extracurricular Activities Support Youth Mental Health

As school-based mental health providers, we often encourage youth to participate in extracurricular activities that help create a healthy mental state. In the bustling world of academics and social media, it’s easy to overlook the importance of after-school activities for kids. Whether it is joining a sports team, participating in a drama club or volunteering, these activities are pivotal in shaping a well-rounded?individual.

Here are six reasons parents and students should consider exploring activities outside the classroom this school?year.

1. Unlocking Potential

Extracurricular activities allow students to hone new skills including: problem-solving, communication and team building. When students master a new skill, from executing a beautifully timed three-pointer on the basketball court or receiving a standing ovation for a stellar performance in the school play, it provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. These achievements translate into increased self-esteem and the belief that they can tackle new challenges in life and academic?settings.

2. Improved Social Skills and Mental Health

At CHRIS 180, we often see how extracurricular activities reduce depressive symptoms. Participating in group activities fosters improved social skills like teamwork and communication. Students learn to interact with peers, work towards common goals and navigate social dynamics. These experiences are invaluable, as they teach important life lessons regarding cooperation, conflict management and building and maintaining relationships, leading to improved social confidence and even lifelong?friendships.

3. Encouraging Responsibility and Discipline

With extracurricular activities comes commitment that requires students to manage their time effectively and balance their responsibilities. Whether attending regular practice sessions or preparing for a debate, participating in activities gives students the opportunity to learn and build time management skills, instilling a sense of discipline and responsibility. Successfully juggling these commitments alongside academic responsibilities builds a sense of capability and?independence.

4. Joining a Community

Being part of a team or club gives kids a sense of belonging and community. Group activities can combat loneliness and feelings of isolation. A supportive environment allows students to feel heard, express themselves freely and receive encouragement from their peers and?mentors.

5. Developing Effective Leaders

Extracurricular activities often present leadership opportunities, such as becoming a team captain or a club officer. Taking on these roles challenges students to step out of their comfort zones, make decisions and lead others. The experience succeeding in these roles gives them the confidence to apply their leadership skills in other?settings.

6. Building Resiliency

Involvement in after-school activities inevitably brings challenges and setbacks. Overcoming hurdles builds mental toughness, the ability to identify creative and innovative solutions and confidence in handling future obstacles from adolescence to?adulthood.

Extracurricular activities are more than just a break from academics; they are crucial to building a student’s confidence. By providing opportunities to develop new skills, enhance social interactions, practice leadership, learn responsibility, find a sense of belonging, and overcome challenges, these activities lay the foundation for a confident and resilient person. Encouraging students to engage in extracurricular pursuits is an investment in their future, fostering academic success and personal?growth.

Taylor Daniel is a School-Based Mental Health Clinical Program Manager at CHRIS 180. To learn more about our program, click here.