Benefits of Fandom: Why Being a Sports Fan Improves Your Health
Mekhi Stribling
| 2 min read
With college football and NFL seasons in full swing, fans far and wide are preparing to face the season with optimism.
The deeper your fandom and love for your team, the more invested you’re going to be emotionally and physically. Plus, being a dedicated sports fan actually has some positive benefits for your health.
- It builds camaraderie with friends when you cheer for the same team or play on a team together.
- It can inspire athleticism by inspiring you to exercise or work out to be like your favorite player.
- It provides entertainment and stress relief through cheering and socializing.
- It builds traditions and connections through your hometown, state, school or alma mater.
Watching sports reduces depression among people who are interested in sports, whether their team is winning or not. Being a superfan not only helps with relieving stress and depression, it also acts as a self-esteem booster. This feeling is called reflected glory and it’s the positive effect you feel from your team winning. It allows you to experience success which you wouldn’t have had if you were not a fan.
So break out the face paint, make your favorite healthy tailgating recipes and cheer for your team. If only everything about a healthy lifestyle were so simple and fun!
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Photo Credit: Ken Lund
