Watching football is a pastime embedded into American culture. Even people who don’t care for the sport much still tune in to watch the annual “big game.”
“Sitting on the couch, watching TV and indulging in food and beverages while watching sports isn’t the picture of health, but there are real benefits to gathering with friends and family to enjoy a shared interest and passion,” says psychiatrist, Alexandra Khanyutin, M.D.
Dr. Khanyutin offers three reasons watching football can be good for you:
1. Social Interactions
Life gets busy and stressful, so it’s essential to have something to look forward to. Having a day with an enjoyable distraction to pause from errands and worries to gather with family and friends are some things that matter most in life.
Unsurprisingly, countless studies have shown that people with positive relationships with their family and friends are happier and live longer. “Positive social interactions are linked with improved mental and emotional health because they help foster purpose in life,” Dr. Khanyutin adds.
2. Sense of Community
Not only is football rooted in our culture, but it can also be part of our identity and sense of community. The camaraderie and sportsmanship witnessed on the field is a team representation of your city, hometown or school.
“That’s why it feels so good to see your team compete: a win is a victory for the team and the whole community; a loss is a shared disappointment,” says Dr. Khanyutin. “There’s an underlying emotional tie to watching our favorite sports teams because it fosters a feeling of connection to so many important things in our lives: to cherished memories, loved ones no longer with us, celebrations and starting each season with renewed hope.”
Not to mention, many football teams (especially professional leagues) are involved in community charity efforts. You can often hear about these teams' work outside of practice during a game break or half-time, creating all-around feel-good energy.
3. Inspiration to Get Active
Watching athletes doing their best on the field, whether they win or lose, can motivate and encourage others to participate in sports. “It’s not just the athleticism, either. It’s the leadership, perseverance, creativity and dedication that we admire and want to emulate,” said Dr. Khanyutin.
Dr. Khanyutin adds, “There are very important caveats to remember. Watching sports can quickly get stressful by adding in things like betting, alcohol, and letting the violence on the field spill over into our behaviors. If you find yourself falling into bad habits or feeling overwhelmed, remember there are bigger, more important things in life than sports.”
Next Steps & Resources:
- Meet our source: Alexandra Khanyutin, M.D.
- To make an appointment with Dr. Khanyutin or behavioral health specialist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
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