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There are a few bad habits the majority of us tend to cultivate in our lifetimes. Some, like alcohol addiction and drug abuse can be more pronounced and damaging. Others tend to go a different route with varying degrees of results.

Some addictions though can leave such positive reinforces that we barely recognize them as such. For instance, I've always assumed anyone who has taken their passion from running from regular distance runs to completing Ultra Marathons to be an addict. Sports leaves us with more healing virtues than it does damage hence even those presumably addicted still maintain a healthy and robust lifestyle.

From my viewpoint, the best way to actively get involved in sport is to participate, although some people manage to develop a healthy support system where they build meaningful relationships, travel, and generally find satisfaction in being supporters. As long as it doesn't involve endless hours in front of a TV screen then I'll say it is generally an acceptable way to obsess in sports.

For me, running has been my number one obsession since I took to it a couple of years ago. Of course, I don't really think myself obsessed to an extent where I deliberately damage my body just to get on a 'runners High', but I do find a lot of pleasure and simplicity in the activity and always look forward to my next run.

The thing with running (at least distance running) is that it teaches you a lot about yourself more than anything. Running opens up a capacity for improvement and an avenue to push ourselves beyond our comfort zone for the long term benefits on offer. In my time spent running, I have also realized that we have an enormous capacity to improve and adapt to just about anything we actively put our minds into.

You Need A Healthy Addiction

Perhaps we should all be active sportspersons. While there are varying degrees of seriousness that comes with being active, any sporting activity being done with some level of consistency can quickly become an addiction and a pathway to living a better lifestyle.

Thankfully there's lots of sporting events to choose from, and it is likely that we will find one of two that suits us. The thrill of overcoming a challenge can surmount that of self gratification if the resolve to push through is present. We only really need to develop sufficient interest and put our bodies out there, and it will thank us for it.

Of course we are all familiar with the physical benefits of regular exercise and activity. The lesser talked about benefits though range from the mental to the emotional ones. There are times running has completely reset my mood and I use it as a way to clear my thoughts after a long week.

The competition from sports is another very pleasant way of letting sports improve us holistically. We realize that we are firstly in a competition with ourselves and need to improve before we can present ourselves outside and compete. The joy of competition also leaves feelings of euphoria and can make bonds for life. My favorite competition is running (no surprises) and every time am on the road there is a fire from knowing I can perform a lot better than my current best.

Conclusion

I find not a lot of us talk about our sporting hobbies, and I understand not many see it as a big deal, keeping fit has become routine and not worthy of having its own story. Yet the benefits of being an active sportsperson is immeasurable, and it might as well serve as the one 'bad habit' worth having.