Attending Live Sports Events Can Enhance Your Well-Being, Study Claims
Sports have long been hailed as a great way to stay physically fit and healthy. However, a recent study suggests that attending live sports events may also positively impact one’s mental well-being.
The study conducted by Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, discovered that individuals who went to live sports events had less loneliness and greater life satisfaction than those who didn’t attend.
The study surveyed 7,249 people in England about their well-being and in-person sports viewing habits. The residents’ ages ranged from 16 to 85.
The researchers found that attendance at live sporting events positively associated with subjective well-being beyond demographic predictors. This study suggests that attending live sporting events can positively affect an individual’s mental health.
The study results are particularly relevant in today’s age of social isolation. Many individuals have had to remain at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also caused them to avoid social gatherings, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
However, attending live sports events may allow people to socialize and connect with others safely. The study found that socializing and connecting can help combat these negative feelings.
Sports as a Health Tool
The authors believe that sports can become a helpful health tool in an age of isolation. They suggest public health strategies can also include reduced ticket prices for specific groups. This way makes live sports events more accessible to people who may not otherwise be able to attend.
According to Dr. Helen Keyes, the lead author of the study conducted by Anglia Ruskin University, the live events covered by the survey ranged from free amateur events to Premier League football matches.
Dr. Keyes highlights that watching live sports provides many opportunities for social interaction, helping create a sense of group identity and belonging.
This sense of community can help mitigate feelings of loneliness and boost levels of well-being, which is particularly relevant in an age of isolation. Dr. Keyes’ comments emphasize the importance of live sports events to promote social connection and improve mental well-being.
Also, attending live sports events can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride. Fans often feel a sense of pride and ownership over their favorite teams, and following a live game can give a sense of action and excitement.
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It can particularly benefit individuals struggling with low self-esteem or lack of purpose. Of course, it’s important to note that attending live sports events is not a substitute for other forms of mental health care or treatment.
However, it can be a helpful addition to an individual’s overall mental health treatment plan.
In summary, attending live sports events can positively impact an individual’s mental well-being. The Anglia Ruskin University study suggests that attending live sports events may contribute positively to an individual’s mental health, helping overcome feelings of isolation.
