Watching Live Sports Could Improve Mental Health, Expert Reveals How

There are several reasons why live sports can improve one's mental health. Now that some communities in the United States are slowly reopening arenas and stadiums for live sports events, experts believe that this will positively impact the public and the players.

That is after a year when COVID-19 health protocols restricted watching live sports.

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Live sports during the pandemic

Different live sports events worldwide had to be either suspended or rescheduled, and organizers for various events like golf, baseball, boxing, basketball, football, and even racing had to make changes.

In the United States, the National Basketball Association suspended its season after one of Utah Jazz's players tested positive for the virus. The season had to restart last July 30, after the postponement made in March.

Sports in the family

Sports have been proven to be essential in a community. And on a household level, interest in sports can be a good bonding opportunity, especially for father-and-son quality time moments.

According to All Pro Dad, sports are that part of family life that can either tear them apart or draw them closer together. According to the website, "Family life is a sport too, and you're the coach!"

If not taking part in a specific sport, watching live sports can also be a great father and son bonding.

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How can live sports improve one's mental health?

More than keeping the family bonded, sports are believed to be addressing many vital aspects of one's life.

In an interview with NBC10, sports psychologist Dr. Joel Fish said, "Sports really is addressing a lot of special needs." Dr. Fish further explained that live sports represent a lot of needs like leisure and competitive needs. He added, "And when you're in the game, there's something about being there that really addresses those needs."

Aside from addressing these, it also helps improve our mental health because it provides a sense of normalcy. Dr. Fish explained, "It's just another example that we're moving more towards the normal scene right now."

The sports psychologist said that it is because, for some families, live sports could be a significant part of their daily lives.

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The effect of restarting sporting events on players

When the COVID-19 health protocols prohibited the audience in arenas and stadiums, they had to play without cheers or boos. Dr. Fish says this has affected the players in a way, "All kinds of research show that it gets their adrenaline going; it gets their competitive juices going."

That is why Dr. Fish says that better performance is expected from players due to fans' and supporters' return.

He added that this could also help the player have an established feeling of normalcy as well.

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Attending Sports Events

Although sporting events are already allowed in certain areas, the CDC encourages the public to observe physical distancing still.

Aside from physical distancing, CDC reminds families to be more responsible to avoid the spread of COVID-19. When sick, it would be better to stay at home and avoid large crowds.