Football Season Can Be Healthy Distraction or Health Problem: Psychologist
Look for warning signs that your football fanaticism is having impact on your health.
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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears attempts to grab Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
With the NFL kicking off its season, psychologists warn you should check your emotional investment in the wins and losses.
Rooting for your team should be a healthy distraction from some of your worries, unless you take the game too seriously.
"It's a neat distraction. It's a neat way of getting away from everyday worries," said Dr. Mike McKee, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic. "And everybody needs some breaks. But they're not good breaks if they keep you awake at night, angry about what happened."
All that stress could lead to health issues. There are warning signs you should consider if you think you might be too wrapped up in your team, says McKee.
For instance, if you're disappointed for a long period of time after a loss. Perhaps rivalries cause you adverse relationships with family members or friends who root for the other team. Or if your favorite team's win is the only happiness or positive mental boost you get all week.
You have to recognize the signs, but you might hear it from someone else first, says McKee.
"You know, these are often guys. And often, it's your wife or girlfriend pulling you aside and saying, 'Hey, we don't need a brawl here. How about cooling it?'"
Dr. McKee says it's best to just enjoy the game as it should be enjoyed, and be a good sport, win or lose.
