Watching Live Sports May Reduce Loneliness
For some people, there's nothing like the buzz of watching live sports — the noise, the excitement, the drama.
And according to a new study, going to these events could improve our well-being and decrease feelings of loneliness.
Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University in the UK found that people who went to live sports events were more likely to say their lives feel worthwhile.
In fact, the researchers said going to live sports events has about the same effect on well-being as the feeling we have when we get a new job.
They looked at sporting events of all types, from local amateur matches to Premier League soccer.
Helen Keyes from the university said these events may be good for us because we're spending time with other people, and this reduces feelings of loneliness.
The researchers looked at data from more than 7,200 people aged between 16 and 85.
Previous studies have also shown that watching sports on TV or online can have positive effects on depression.
However, Harvard University experts say watching sports may not always be good for our health.
Some people get stressed when they're watching their favorite team play — something that may make heart problems more likely.
Some people also drink more alcohol and eat more junk food when they're watching sports, both live and at home — which also isn't good for our health.
