Two weeks ago, after a snowstorm, I found some green leaves pushing through the dirt, under the snow. Today it was 45 and I was out running thinking it was 60! The green shoots I saw are now producing flowers. Don’t get me started talking about Nature as a Detox, that is topic of another post. Let’s discuss the best part of Spring: Baseball! The Pitchers and Catchers have reported to duty, the fantasy baseball players are organizing their dream teams and my daughters are planning which stadiums they will travel to this summer in their attempt to visit them all.
I can write volumes about the positive affect engaging in physical exercise has on our body and our minds, but what about watching others? I know the rush of adrenalin I feel when I walk into Yankee Stadium and see the field, the sharp contrast of the dirt infield and the green outfield. The energy is electric, I feel great and the game hasn’t even started yet. Well, a recent study at the School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom has found that the attendance at live sporting events has positive associations with feeling good, satisfaction with life and a general sense of life being worthwhile. The study authors found that spectators had a decreased sense of loneliness. The study included participants who attended local games, such as little league, as well as professional games and the researchers did not distinguish the benefits between the two. But take a minute to think about your own experience. When we are walking past the baseball field on our way to the park we always stop to watch the game. Our local little league team is the Bulldogs and their games can be exciting to watch. I don’t know anyone on the team but as we cheer we feel the connection with the other spectators. There is a camaraderie with our fellow neighbors and community. This immediately combat feelings of loneliness and disconnect.
Let’s take advantage of this Detox to start to feel healthy and positive. Head out to your town’s field and cheer for the home team! And bring your mitt and ball so while you are there you can have a catch and get a little light exercise for yourself too.
Keyes, Helen et al. “Attending live sporting events predicts subjective wellbeing and reduces loneliness.” Frontiers in public health vol. 10 989706. 4 Jan. 2023, doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.989706