“Go Broncos!” “Nuggets have got it in the bag this year!” “Did you see that kick last night?”
Sports have had a grip on United States culture for decades, and as nearly 18 million viewers nationwide tune in for 2024’s football season, WellPower wants to help you keep your cool when the games get hot.
Sports roots run deep
As a species, humans have been drawn to spectacle and competition for millennia. From Rome’s ancient Colosseum to today’s high-tech arenas, millions of sports fans gather year-round to watch their favorite games and cheer on their teams and players.
What is it about sports that gets people so invested? We asked Kristen Parker, LCSW, LAC, program manager for one of WellPower’s assertive community treatment teams, to weigh in.
“For so many people nationwide, sports are more than just something to watch on TV or at the game – they’re ingrained in parts of our identity,” said Parker. “Many folks play sports during childhood or grow up with family traditions around viewing games or participating in them. There are millions of interactions nationwide every day that start with seeing a familiar sports logo on a t-shirt or hat. Being a fan of a particular team can build a sense of community and connection with a total stranger, just because you cheer for the same franchise.”
According to Kristen, there are three main components to why we get so invested in sports when we aren’t even part of the team:
- Our identities are shaped by the traditions and culture surrounding sports. Think about associations with “game day Sunday” or eating orange slices after a childhood soccer match.
- When you like the same team as someone else, there’s an instant cultural connection. If you’re a major fan of the Arizona Cardinals and you see a fellow Cardinals fan in New York City, that glimpse of “home” in a place you wouldn’t expect creates connection and community, even if it’s just for a moment.
- Sports are unpredictable and we can’t control the outcome, so it’s a new thrill every time a game airs. When you see a movie or read a book for the first time, there’s a sense of anticipation and wondering “what comes next?” – the same can be said with athletic games every time one shows live. There’s always a reason to get invested in the outcome because we never know what will happen.
Big investment means big emotions
While engaging in sports culture can certainly come with benefits like community, connection and entertainment, there are also some drawbacks to consider.
“We definitely see an uptick in alcohol consumption and gambling with sports,“ said Parker. “People can get incredibly invested in betting and fantasy leagues, and there’s a pervasive trend of overconsumption that goes hand-in-hand with sports culture. When our favorite sport is in season, we eat more food, drink more alcohol and spend more money to be part of ‘game day’ than we do on other days of the week.”
“Another thing to keep in mind is that the time and emotional investment we make in our favorite teams can result in a loss of perspective when that team loses a game. The more connected we feel to a team, the harder it is to temper our reactions when something goes poorly.”
5 ways to keep your cool
So, what can we do about it? How do you avoid losing it when your team loses? Parker has a few suggestions:
- Recognize that all feelings are valid. There are no bad feelings, however difficult feelings can lead to destructive behaviors. You’re allowed to feel down, disappointed, sad, angry, etc. when something doesn’t go the way you hoped, and it’s important to be mindful of your reactions and behaviors in the wake of those feelings.
- Ask yourself what you’re feeling emotionally and physically. Sometimes just checking in on yourself and bringing awareness to the present moment can help ease those feelings. Take a moment to say, “What am I feeling in my body? What am I saying in my brain?” and then name those things.
- Prepare ahead of time. Let’s say your team has made it to the biggest game of the season – the Super Bowl, Wimbledon, the World Series, etc – and you know you’re going to feel some type of way, no matter the outcome. If you know you won’t be able to concentrate at work, or you’ll need some time and space to cool down afterwards, plan for that. Take a day off after the Super Bowl, block off time to take a walk to process your emotions or simply give yourself permission to take it easy.
- Community and connection can help. If you know you’re the type of person to want to rehash what happened, have your trusted people who are also invested in your team or players ready to go in a group chat, get together or phone call. It can help to replay the magic moments or vent about the tough ones.
- Find a way to hold perspective. This is especially important if the outcome didn’t match up to the one you wanted. Remember that there will always be another game, another season, another match – find ways to ground yourself in the reality of the rest of your life. If, like most of us, your livelihood doesn’t hinge on the results of the game, remember that your life will continue despite undesired ending.
Bonus tip: Don’t care about sports? This one’s for you
If you’re not a sports fan, but maybe find yourself attached to one through partnership, parenthood, friendship or a different relationship, here are a few ways to relate to what your loved one is experiencing and possibly help them through it:
- Think about something you’re passionate about that others in your community may not share. Our ability to empathize with someone else is our ability to step into a shared emotional space with them, even if we don’t feel the same way. You may find crochet to be absolutely riveting, but your partner doesn’t – when they express interest or ask questions to show they care, that’s a way of empathizing with your passion for yarn and hook. You can do the same for your football-obsessed companion.
- Compromise – yes, it’s really that simple. You don’t have to get enthusiastic and shout at the baseball game, but joining your bestie at their house while they watch it and you read your favorite book on their couch is a great way to show you care (being present) without having to pretend you love the Rockies with their same vigor.
- Sometimes it’s okay to just say no. If you’re in a position where being around sports culture will be detrimental to your well-being, it’s also okay to just say no and do something else.
Whether you’re a superfan, a fair-weather fan or just trying to support the sports lover in your life, emotions are as much a part of game day as snacks and cheers. Now go get ‘em, tiger!