5 Ways Skateboarding Boosts Your Mental Health

3. Builds Resilience

I always tell people: Skateboarding should just be called falling. And that’s because falling is obviously a huge part of skateboarding. But you know what? So is getting back up. Skateboarding teaches us resilience and perseverance in a way that many other activities can't (although I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that).

Pros have been talking about it for years, you’ve experienced it, I’ve experienced it, and if we're lucky, we’ll all continue to experience it for as long as possible. Personally, I think it’s great! Every slam is a chance to strengthen your mental toughness. The more you get back up, the more resilient you’ll be. And when you take that mindset into the real world, well, no one can stop you.

4. Provides Social Connection

Skateboarding is all about community and the social aspect of it can be pretty life-changing. To this day, the majority of my lifelong friends are people I've met through skating. Whether you live in a bustling city full of skaters or are a local at your rural little skatepark on the outskirts of town—whatever! You’re bound to meet like-minded individuals who share the same stoke for skateboarding (and many other things) that you do.

Feeling like you belong somewhere is crucial for mental health. Skateboarding gives us that. And I mean, let’s be honest, skating with your homies is always more fun and motivating! No debate.

5. Aids With Mindfulness and Focus

Have you ever noticed that when you’re genuinely focused on something, any form of anxiety or stress seems to just disappear? Well, skating is nothing without some serious focus.

I know we sort of touched on this, but it’s such a rad way to get centered and appreciate living in the moment, which, admittedly, is often pretty hard to achieve. It sharpens your mind, for one, and it provides a break from the constant distractions—I should say “digital” distractions—of modern life all the same. I’ve certainly experienced it, and I hope you can say the same. Work stressing you out? Relationship problems? This, that, and the other? Go skate. 

Also ... It's Just Fun!

I think more than anything, though, skateboarding is just fun—pure, genuine fun! Learning new tricks is such an insanely accomplished feeling. Meeting up with your friends for a session is the best thing ever. Skateboarding takes you places you would never go otherwise. It introduces you to people you’d possibly never meet—people who, again, become lifelong friends. Having fun is necessary, and skateboarding provides plenty of it. Simple as that.  

So, let's make a deal. Next time you’re feeling bummed, stressed out, or anxious, grab your board, hit the streets, your local park, favorite curb—wherever!—and see what happens. Whether you realize it or not, you’ll be boosting your mental health, and the endorphins will start flowing. 

Most importantly, don't forget to reach out to your friends and family to check on them, tell them you love them and of course, never be afraid to ask for help. There are so many incredible resources out there and the best part is, many are right within hands reach. Everyone is dealing with their own issues. Just know you're never alone. Especially when you have skateboarding!