Cheering on your favorite teams may be an act of health and self-care
Dr. Joshua Phillips, ND | Hawthorn Healing Arts
— Originally published in the Source Weekly, from Dr Phillips’ monthly column, The Medicine Cabinet Within.
It is not news to anyone that getting regular exercise is good for health and well-being, but you might be surprised to know that participating in competitive group sports takes that to the next level. Further, you might be even more surprised to learn that spectating and enjoying sporting events carries with it elements that have been attributed to greater health and wellness. For those indulging in the international World Cup soccer tournament and enjoying the thrill of these games, you might be pleased to know that even though you aren’t out on the pitch chasing the ball, the experience itself may be an act of health and self-care.
First off, for those inclined and able to play sports competitively, even if it is the weekend pick-up games at the park, you are engaging in an activity that offers elements you don’t get when focusing on solo exercise alone. The group camaraderie that exists when playing a sport with others instantly gets us out of the self-focused exercise routine that can become rote and tedious over time. Joining the team, no matter how casual it is, creates the opportunity to bond with others and meet new people, an easy way to break out of the isolation and loneliness that is endemic in our hyper-digital culture. A National Institutes of Health news piece suggests that “organized sports participation is linked to improved psychological well-being, self-esteem, emotional stability, stress resilience, and social integration.”
It is worth noting that exercising solo is of course also important, particularly when it is combined with time outdoors, taking a break from our relentless exposure to media and digital information. This focused exercise can target specific muscle groups, support strength training and improve cardiovascular health. Volumes of literature support both cardiovascular and strength training to support prevention of almost every chronic disease. Supporting healthy weight, blood sugar and cholesterol levels is just the beginning. Exercise also supports a healthy endocrine system, promoting balanced neurochemistry that improves our moods and emotional landscape, all of which are also supportive of cardiovascular health, cancer prevention and longevity.
Now, back to the couch and those televised games. While your mental image of a group of overweight men throwing back beer and Doritos may not inspire a picture of health and well being, there may just be some elements to this cultural ritual that are surprisingly good for us. Again, first and foremost this is a direct remedy for loneliness and isolation, which is an understated element contributing to many chronic health issues, both mental and physical. Secondly, the group dynamic of cheering for the team triggers a cascade of neurochemistry that is rich in mood enhancing elements, improving our sense of connection and well-being. A Psychology Today article suggests that “frequent sports spectators actually show a greater volume of gray matter in brain areas linked to pleasure and motivation.” Again, it is worth suggesting that hopefully the spectating of sports also motivates the participation in them, to support the physical as well as the mental benefits of experiencing competition.
This article may be just in time for the World Cup finals, and if you haven’t already been watching, may you be further inspired to gather with friends or family to enjoy this international tournament. Whatever sport you enjoy watching, chances are good, you can also find some local groups in town to get out on the field and combine the well-understood benefits of exercise with the social connection that comes along with team sports.
Joshua Phillips, ND is a naturopathic physician and the director at Hawthorn Healing Arts Center in Bend. He can be reached at [email protected] with questions or comment. Appointments with Dr. Phillips are available by calling 541-330-0334 email [email protected] or visit our online request form.