Problem Solving
Some have hypothesized , and current research is being conducted , that doing a daily crossword puzzle or engaging in problem-solving games such as chess helps to reduce the risk for dementia and Alzheimer ’ s disease — as well as other mental health conditions .
Playing pickleball is like solving a riddle . It includes identifying a strategy , finding out who is trying to do what to whom , and what the strengths and weaknesses are of different opponents . Pickleball is a very healthy , active mental process . A lot of problem solving is done electronically nowadays . That isn ’ t entirely bad , but smashing a pickleball is way better for your brain than crushing candy on your iPad .
Physically Active — Mentally Healthy
Physical exercise has emotional and mental health benefits as well . In fact , 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise has a similar effect on the brain as a daily prescription of Zoloft . A pickleball high is a real thing .
Pleasure leads to a rush of dopamine to the brain . The brain likes it — getting joy from social interaction , focus , and problem solving , to name a few . Once people get their first experience with playing , they are chasing their next dopamine rush . It isn ’ t uncommon to see a bunch of picklers on the courts during a rainstorm with a wheelbarrow full of towels and leaf blowers trying to dry the courts so they can play — again , problem solving !
IT GETS US OUT OF OUR LOGICAL THINKING AND INTO THE CREATIVE AND ARTISTIC PART OF OUR BRAINS
Laughter , Creativity and Play
Plato said , “ You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation .” I see more laughter and lightheartedness with pickleball than any other sport . The mishits and blunders are hilarious ; the amazing reaction shots are jawdropping , and the inside jokes never end .
Even though there ’ s a definite structure and deliberate strategy in how to play pickleball , once the smashes and lobs start happening , it becomes a very creative and reactionary sport . It gets us out of our logical thinking and into the creative and artistic part of our brains . Using both hemispheres of our brains is balancing and therapeutic . Almost every point requires both sides of the brain !
Laughter and play are also primarily social functions . We laugh and enjoy playing more fully when we are with others .
The Right Kind of Addiction
Once our brains experience dopamine , they crave more and more of it . Pickleball is addicting . It ’ s enjoyable . We crave it . The good thing about pickleball is that it ’ s a natural high . You can ’ t overdose from too many dinks .
As a marriage and family therapist , I offer a word of caution : Any activity or habit that adversely impacts an important area of your life is considered counterproductive — including pickleball . If your pickleball obsession is getting in the way of spending time with your kids or loved ones , you may want to take a break and make sure you are maintaining balance . Take a night off and plan a date with your spouse . Take your kids to the lake . If you are not keeping up with your school or occupation , get your work done before setting up a game . If your anger , or need to win , is affecting the joy in playing the game , seek out a new perspective , or find another way to experience life so it doesn ’ t affect relationships and sour everyone else ’ s experience .
I am grateful to be a part of the pickleball community . As I became a new parent and moved into a new neighborhood , my social circles seemed to be getting smaller and smaller . Playing pickleball has put me in contact with some of the greatest people I ’ ve ever met . It has been a beautiful experience to learn the game and feel the therapeutic benefits of being a part of the community . My father , a recently retired CPA , is a former tennis player and somewhat introverted . In just a few months of playing pickleball , he lost 25 pounds and has made many new friends . He even just played in his first tournament ! •
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018 | MAGAZINE 43