Benefits of Watching Sports: How It Improves Mental Health
Watching sports can be a great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day or week. In fact, research has shown that watching sports can have a positive impact on mental health and contribute to a stress-free life. In this article, we’ll explore the ways in which watching sports can help reduce stress and hear from two experts on their thoughts.
One of the main ways in which watching sports can contribute to a stress-free life is by providing an escape from everyday worries and responsibilities. When we’re watching a game or match, we’re able to immerse ourselves in the action and forget about our problems for a little while. This can help us relax and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
According to Dr. Henry Prieston, a clinical and sports psychologist, “Watching sports can provide a temporary escape from the stresses of everyday life. When we’re watching a game, we’re able to focus on something other than our problems and forget about our worries for a little while. This can be a great way to recharge and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.”
Another way in which watching sports can contribute to a stress-free life is by providing a sense of community and social connection. When we watch a game with friends or family, we’re able to bond over our shared love of the sport and the team we’re rooting for. This can help us feel a sense of belonging and connectedness, which in turn can reduce feelings of stress and loneliness.
According to Dr. Gail Saltz, a psychiatrist and author, “Watching sports can be a social activity that brings people together. When we’re watching a game with others, we’re able to bond over our shared love of the sport and the team we’re rooting for. This can provide a sense of connection and belonging that can help reduce feelings of stress and loneliness.”
In addition to providing an escape and a sense of community, watching sports can also have a positive impact on our mood and mental health. When our team wins, we feel a sense of elation and joy that can boost our mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. When we watch sports, we often become inspired to get outside and play the game ourselves. This can be a great way to stay active and improve our physical health.
According to Dr. Prieston, “When our team wins, we feel a sense of joy and happiness that can have a positive impact on our mood and mental health. Even if our team loses, we’re able to experience a range of emotions and process them in a healthy way. This can help us develop emotional resilience and cope with the stresses of everyday life.”
Watching sports can be a great way to reduce stress and improve mental health. Whether we’re escaping from everyday worries, bonding with others over a shared love of the sport, or experiencing a range of emotions after a game, watching sports can provide a sense of joy and fulfillment that can help us lead a stress-free life. As Dr. Saltz said, “Watching sports can be a healthy and enjoyable way to reduce stress and feel connected to others. It’s important to take time for ourselves and find activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.”
