As excitement around the world builds for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, we are sure to see incredible displays of athleticism and sportsmanship. But did you know that watching live sports events can also have a significant positive impact on your mental health and overall well-being? Research shows that watching professional, elite, or amateur sports, whether in person or on screen, can contribute to increased happiness, a sense of belonging, and improved brain function.
Active vs. Passive Sports Engagement
We know that participating in physical activity, active sports engagement, provides numerous benefits. However, research also shows that watching sports, also known as passive sports engagement, is good for you too.
A recent study published in the journal Sport Management Review cited three subset studies involving Japanese participants:
- Analyzing data from 20,000 participants, the first study found that regularly watching sports contributed to higher reported well-being.
- Over 200 Japanese residents were recruited for the second study, and reported higher levels of well-being after watching sports videos – especially videos of popular sports such as baseball.
- The third study used MRI scans to evaluate changes in brain function and structure and found:
- Watching sports not only triggered feel-good emotions like happiness and pleasure but also;
- Those who regularly watched sports showed higher gray matter volume in areas associated with reward and pleasure.
These findings suggest that keeping up with sports can provide an immediate mood boost and also have positive long-term effects on brain structure.
Incorporate Sports into Your Well-Being Routine
If you enjoy sports, make watching live sports events – whether in person or on screen – a regular part of your well-being routine. Invite friends or family to join you, and use sports as an opportunity to strengthen social bonds and foster a sense of community.
Start them Young
If you have young children, consider registering them for sporting activities. Individual and team sports not only offer children fantastic learning opportunities but are also a great way for parents to meet others and form new friendships.
Moderation is Key
Of course, watching sports is just one of many ways to support mental well-being. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, quality sleep, and strong social connections are all necessary and important components that also help promote good health and wellness.
Make it Social
Consider watching sports as a group activity. Gathering with friends and family to watch a game can foster a sense of belonging and social connection, both of which are well known factors supporting positive mental health and longevity.
Why Wait? Now is the Perfect Time to Start
The Olympics are a fantastic time to cheer on the home team and benefit from all that passive sports engagement can provide. Held every two years and alternating between winter and summer sports, the Olympics are a source of pride and excitement for countries around the world. However, if the games are not your thing,choose from a variety of other sporting activities: from the local pitch to varsity courts to regional tracks and beaches, there is something for everyone.
A Final Word
At Alliance Chiropractic, we recognize the importance of physical, mental, social, and environmental factors contributing to your overall quality of life. While our focus is primarily on treating and managing neuromusculoskeletal conditions, we are always on the lookout for information and resources that support and promote all aspects of wellness.
Helping patients and families in Ancaster and the greater Hamilton area for more than 20 years, we are here to help. Contact us if you have any questions related to this blog or any other health concern.
The information from the blog is sourced from Well and Good and Mind Body Green
Other Useful Resources:
Team Canada: https://olympic.ca/
Paris Olympic Schedule: https://olympic.ca/schedule-paris-2024-olympic-games/