Imagine this: you are seven years old at tennis camp with your friends. It is scorching hot out, and you reek of sunscreen and sweat, but are having the time of your life. You miss a shot, shrug it off, and move on to the next point. There is no yelling or panic about losing the match; you are simply playing to enjoy the game.
Now, try to imagine playing with that same childlike mindset in your current game. You would be much more relaxed and at ease. Research published by the American Psychological Association indicates that athletes who are relaxed perform better under pressure. On top of your performance, it is also good for your mental health to play like a kid from time to time. Here is how.
As adults, we tend to weaponize our hobbies. We track our statistics, analyze our unforced errors, and treat our recreational court time like a high-stakes audition for the tour. This constant self-evaluation spikes cortisol and tightens our muscles. According to developmental and clinical research on adult playfulness published by the Ontario Psychological Association, engaging in physical activities without an obsessive focus on outcomes significantly lowers stress levels and fosters long-term emotional resilience. When you strip away the ego, your nervous system finally gets to exhale.
Children naturally understand the true rhythm of sport. They care about the bounce of the ball and the joy of a sweet spot connection rather than a rating or a metric. Studies in behavioral neuroscience highlighted by the Mental Health Commission of Canada demonstrate that playful physical states activate reward and motivation networks in the brain, flooding our system with dopamine while quieting the inner critic.
Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston who has spent over two decades studying human connection, courage, and vulnerability, noted that “Play is not only about fun, it’s about connection and resilience.” When we bring that lightweight curiosity back to the baseline, every missed overhead ceases to be a personal indictment and simply becomes part of the afternoon.
So clear your mental slate for your next tennis session. Step onto the court with the carefree energy of a child, swing freely, and let the mental health benefits follow.
