Good Vibes Only: Why Pickleball is Great for Mind, Body, and Soul

At IPOP, we already know pickleball is a blast. But did you know it’s also one of the best things you can do for your mental health?

No joke—this paddle-powered phenomenon isn’t just transforming community centers and mall courts, it’s also transforming minds. From boosting mood and reducing depression to building brain power and fostering social bonds, pickleball is emerging as a powerful tool for mental wellness, and now the science is catching up to what many players have already experienced.

Let’s dive into why stepping onto a pickleball court might be the best therapy session you’ve ever had (with way more laughs and fewer couches).

🧠 Feel-Good Chemistry: Physical Activity That Makes You Happy

Pickleball gets you moving—and movement means endorphins. These natural “feel-good chemicals” help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and increase overall happiness. However, unlike punishing workouts or intimidating gym sessions, pickleball is fun, social, and low-impact, making it easier to stick with.

A recent study found that frequent pickleball players report 60% fewer depressive symptoms compared to the general population (The Dink, 2023).

That’s no accident. According to Dr. Edward Laskowski of the Mayo Clinic:

“The sport can be a source of social connectedness and improved mental health.”

And that’s just the start.

😌 Stress Relief & Mindfulness in Motion

Let’s be real: life is stressful. Work, relationships, the news—there’s a lot going on. But pickleball helps reduce that noise.

We at IPOP can verify this because our busiest times are after work (from 6 pm to 10 pm — so book early!), and many of our players have told us: “Pickleball is how I relax!”

When you play, your brain focuses on the present: the ball, your feet, your partner, the next shot. You’re not thinking about your boss or that project that’s due — you’re thinking about your next shot.

That kind of present-moment awareness is what mindfulness is all about. And it helps lower cortisol levels and calm the nervous system.

Even in competitive play, players report developing better coping tools and increased stress tolerance. A guide from DUPR describes pickleball as a way to build a “winning stress mindset,” emphasizing how competition can actually help with emotional regulation when approached the right way (DUPR, 2024).

🤝 Built-In Belonging: The Social Connection Cure

One of the biggest mental health challenges today? Loneliness. And pickleball might just be the cure.

Let’s face it, making friends when you’re an adult is not as simple as it seemed when you were younger.

The sport is inherently social—most games are doubles, with lots of interaction before, during, and after games.

Some of this is due to pickleball being played close to one another, unlike in tennis, for example.

As Seymour Rifkind, who recently taught his IPTPA Level One pickleball instructor course at IPOP, said, “You have four people who are fourteen feet apart, there’s trash-talking going on, you hit the guy on that last shot, but then you say you’re sorry, and he says no it’s OK. And the wall kind of comes down because you’re in a group where everyone is kind of equal.”

At IPOP, we see these walls come down every day: new friendships forming, groups laughing together, and people of all ages and backgrounds connecting over a shared love of play.

So, no wonder pickleball is associated with so much happiness…

According to a meta-analysis in Frontiers in Psychology, social sports reduce depression by up to 34% compared to solitary workouts (Frontiers, 2023).

And as Sideout Coffee puts it:

“Pickleball creates community, combats isolation, and helps people find belonging—one point at a time.”

Source

🧠 Brain Gains: A Workout for Your Mind

Pickleball isn’t just good for your mood—it’s good for your mind. The quick decisions, split-second reactions, and constant spatial awareness activate multiple regions of the brain.

A study featured by BrainFit World found that racquet sports like pickleball are linked to increased gray matter, which is essential for memory, executive function, and processing speed (BrainFit, 2023).

And the benefits accumulate over time: regular players exhibit measurable improvements in memory, focus, and even adaptability, which is especially important for aging adults seeking to maintain cognitive health.

💪 Purpose, Progress, and Self-Worth

One often-overlooked benefit of pickleball? The sense of achievement it gives you. Whether it’s finally nailing your third-shot drop or winning your first game, progress in pickleball feels good.

That sense of purpose is powerful. Especially for people in transition—retirement, new cities, life changes—pickleball offers structure, motivation, and community. You can set goals, track your improvement, and even give back by helping others learn the game.

If you’ve ever played pickleball before, you know the mood-boosting power of pickleball gets stronger the more you play. It’s not just one good day—it’s a sustainable, habit-forming source of happiness.

🏓 Come Play Your Way to a Better Day at IPOP

So, here’s the big idea: pickleball makes you feel better. Mentally, physically, socially, and cognitively—this game delivers joy on all fronts.

And at IPOP, you can come experience it for yourself.

We’ve got:

Friendly, fun, and competitive Open Play every day.
Learn to Play, Intro to Pickleball, and beginner lessons if you’re just starting out.
Skills & Drills for all levels who want to improve their game.
Tournaments, DUPR Saturdays, and leagues are available for those who want some competition.
Found some people to play with? Book a private court and get to know them better!
A welcoming community that’s here for the laughs as much as the wins