Texas Tech’s intramural sports scene through University Recreation is working improve students’ mental health alongside their physical fitness. Registration to participate is free for interested students.

Jordan German, University Recreation program manager for the sports program, said intramural sports are a chance for students to get away from their school work and enjoy themselves in a sports setting.

“The overall purpose is to give the students, kind of, something to do outside of the business of class and give them some enjoyment where they can just take their mind away from studying and just go have fun,” German said.

German said participating in intramural sports is a great way for students to relieve stress that comes from school and life. He said Tech has a philosophy that everyone plays, so no experience is required for students to get involved.

“Nobody’s judging you, nobody’s here trying to get a scholarship. We’re just here to play and enjoy the sports,” German said.

German said there are several sports and activities available for students to participate in, and interested students can go to iamleagues.com and log in with their eRaider account.

Kacie Northam, a senior natural resources management major from Lavernia, has participated in intramural sports since her freshman year and said her involvement has been beneficial to her mental health.

“I think it’s just such a good way to have a break from the busyness of college life and to have a way out of just so many different struggles that we face as college students,” Northam said.

Northam said being able to interact with others in an active social environment has helped her mental health. She said the change from high school athlete to college student was a shock, but intramural sports allowed her to engage with a new community.

“Being able to have intramural sports has really helped me in that aspect of having that sense of community, with the loss of the community that I had in high school through sports,” Northam said.

Parker McCay, a Tech alumnus and licensed professional counselor associate in private practice, said there are many layers of benefits to participating in intramural sports.

Increased physical activity can improve a person’s sleep, McCay said, and being part of a community can improve a student’s mental well-being.

“It can divert our focus from everyday struggles with school, if we have stuff going on at home, those kinds of things,” McCay said. “It’s that opportunity to focus on what’s in front of us.”

McCay said students tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves, which can cause them to forget there are outlets to relax and have fun outside of classes.

“When we are in a balanced state where we are allowing ourselves to have fun, allowing ourselves to enjoy college life, mentally, I think we’re more stable and balanced in our approach to everything,” McCay said.

Mental health plays a big part in people’s lives and, if not taken care of, McCay said, it could lead to problems like a student’s declining grades or not reaching out to friends.

“It goes into every aspect of our life, whether it’s our home life, our friendships, school, our physical and mental health,” McCay said.

McCay said students who are willing to put themselves in healthy but uncomfortable situations may find the pros outweigh the cons and growth can be developed.

“Give yourself an opportunity to find success. Give yourself an opportunity to make friends. Give yourself an opportunity to find a sense of belonging,” McCay said.