Could being a part of the fun be good for my mental health?
As Melbourne sets into its yearly tennis frenzy, it can be difficult to escape a mention of it at any turn. The positive benefits of direct sports participation, otherwise known as active sports engagement, has been linked to reduced mental distress and mental health (Appelqvist-Schmidlechner et al., 2018). Furthermore, passive sport participation, including watching, listening, reading, and talking to others about sports are positively associated with happiness (Fernando Lera-Lopez et al., (2020).
Here are a few key reasons why participation in attending live sports could have a positive impact on mental health:
1. Social Connection and Community
Attending live sports often involves being part of a crowd or a community. This sense of belonging and connection with others can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Social interactions, whether you’re with friends or fellow fans, can boost mood and foster a sense of camaraderie.
2. Physical Activity
While watching sports doesn’t necessarily involve physical activity, many people walk to and from the venue or engage in some form of movement during the event (cheering, standing, walking around). Physical movement itself is known to release endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that promote feelings of happiness and reduce stress.
3. Emotional Engagement
Live sports events are often emotionally charged experiences. The thrill of competition, whether it’s excitement over a win or the collective support during a tough moment, can provide an emotional outlet. Expressing joy, frustration, or even tension in a group can help relieve stress and promote emotional well-being.
4. Escapism
Watching live sports offers a temporary escape from the stresses of daily life. The focus shifts to the event itself, allowing attendees to temporarily forget about personal worries, work stress, or everyday challenges. This sense of escape can provide mental relief.
5. Positive Distractions
Live sports provide a break from negative thoughts. The focus on the game, the players, and the environment can serve as a healthy distraction, especially for people dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress. It can provide a momentary shift in focus toward something enjoyable and engaging.
6. Increased Dopamine and Reward System Activation
The anticipation of a live event, the thrill of the game, and the potential rewards (like witnessing a great play or a team victory) activate the brain’s reward system. This can increase levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to feelings of pleasure and motivation.
7. Positive Influence of Team Support
Being part of a team’s fanbase or supporting a particular player can give people a sense of purpose and achievement when their team does well. It fosters a sense of identity and pride, which can enhance self-esteem and mental well-being. This sense of achievement is often shared with others, which further reinforces positive feelings.
8. Mindfulness in the Moment
Watching live sports requires attention and focus, especially when the action is fast-paced. This can be a form of mindfulness, where individuals are completely present in the moment, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity.
9. Reduced Depression and Anxiety
Engaging in activities that bring joy, like attending live sports events, has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. The excitement and positive energy of a live event can help counteract negative thought patterns associated with mental health conditions.
10. Increased Sense of Control
Some fans find that attending live sports gives them a sense of control in otherwise uncontrollable areas of their life. While they can’t control the outcome of the game, they can control the experience they have as a spectator, such as how they react or engage with the game.
While attending live sports can offer these benefits, it’s important to remember that it’s just one factor in a broader mental health landscape. It’s helpful to combine it with other practices such as exercise, therapy, social support, and relaxation techniques to maintain mental well-being.
Summary
In summary, being a part of live sport and of current relevance, the Australian Open hype could actually be a good thing for your mental health and wellbeing. Which is something to consider when flicking through the channels each night, or considering which weekend activity you’d like to engage in.
However, If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, don’t suffer in silence. Book an appointment at the Centre for Clinical Psychology in Melbourne today by calling 03 9077 0122. Our team of experienced psychologists are here to help you overcome your challenges and improve your wellbeing.
References
Appelqvist-Schmidlechner K, Vaara J, Häkkinen A, Vasankari T, Mäkinen J, Mäntysaari M, et al. Relationships between youth sports participation and mental health in young adulthood among Finnish males. Am J Health Promot. (2018) 32:1502–9. 10.1177/0890117117746336
Lera‐López, F., Ollo‐López, A., & Sánchez‐Santos, J. M. (2021). Is passive sport engagement positively associated with happiness? Applied Psychology: Health and Well‐Being, 13(1), 195-218.
