The Joy of Sports
“Can you imagine not liking sports?!”
A text from me to one of my friends while watching a very exciting weekend of playoff football.
I grew up with sports as a central part of my life, whether it was playing various games or watching the Patriots with my dad. Many of my happiest memories involve attending sporting events or watching the big game with my friends and family (it helps that Boston sports teams have had a pretty decent run the last two decades). Beyond the obvious fun and joy that comes with watching your team win, you may be surprised to know that there are multiple health benefits that come from being a sports fan and watching your favorite team.
Form connections. This is probably my favorite part of being a sports fan, it allows you to quickly connect with someone. Most people are at least familiar with a certain team so it becomes an easy talking point, especially with someone you don’t know. Sports can cut across generations, gender, race, and background. It also helps you deepen your connections with people already in your life. My cousin, brother, father and I have a group chat where we discuss all things Boston sports and it keeps us connected no matter where in the country we are living. I can confidently say that sports have made us closer and more connected to one another.
Enhance your mood. As depressed as you may feel when your favorite team loses a heartbreaking game, watching sporting events actually enhances your mood and makes you happier. Doing something you enjoy releases dopamine, the feel good chemical and will generally make you happier.
Reduce stress. While it may feel extremely stressful while you are watching the game, being a sports fan can actually reduce your overall stress. It is a few hours away from the stresses of everyday life and a fun and healthy distraction.
Create a sense of belonging. Even if you are watching a game by yourself, being a fan of a certain team creates a sense of belonging and community with others. This can help reduce loneliness and help you feel that you are part of something bigger than yourself. This feeling is only amplified when you are attending an event or watching with a group of people. I know I have hugged, high-fived, and commiserated with random strangers as we watched our team together. To understand the importance of sports and the connections it can form, watch this video of Cincinnati Bengals fans celebrating with all sorts of emotions as they finally break their long drought and make it to the Super Bowl.
Enjoy the game!!
