It's the week of the Grand Final in both footy codes - AFL & NRL. We all know the physical and psychological benefits of playing sport and in particular a team sport but what about the benefits of following a team?
Steven John (www.goalcast.com) outlines the following benefits of team sport -
improves mental health
lower instance of depression and anxiety
fewer instances of anorexia
lower rates of suicideal ideation than peers who did not participate in team sporting activities
motivates you to get fit
good for individual fitness
But what about if you are an armchair sports person? What are the benefits of following a team. Cyrus Wahome (webmd.com) talks about the medical review of Melinda Ratini MS DO in his article Is Being a Diehard Sports Fan Good for Your Mental Health?
Wahome outright suggests that yes, people who are sports fans have higher self-esteem compared to individuals with no interest in sports. He describes a fan as someone with an emotional connection to a sports club team, or group. A sports fan is someone who talks and thinks about a particular sport.
He says that, commitment to your team and sport happens in three ways
cognitive - when you find out more about the sport and the team
behaviour - when you show support to your team regardless of their wins or losses. You buy tickets and merchandise to show your loyalty
attitude - your firm belief in the team or club
He then goes on to outline the benefits of being a sports fan
Self-esteem - fans identify with their high-performing team and consider the team as an extension of themselves
Pleasure and Anxiety which create adrenaline and dopamine that make you feel positive stress
Escapism - it may provide a way to escape from the daily stresses
Strengthen family relationships - supporting the same team can bring a family together, giving them time to spend togehter and strengthen famlily bonds
Entertainment - as well as the entertainment of watching the game, people can also be entertained by the colours and sounds during the event
Group affiliation - supporting a team can make you feel a cultural connection and a sense of belonging.
So when you are baracking for your AFL or NRL team this weekend, enjoy the mental health benefits of doing so !!!
Comments