Copyright phillyvoice
With the Eagles flying high and both the Sixers and Flyers back in action, plus the Union making a run in the MLS Cup Playoffs, it’s a great time to be a Philadelphia sports fan. Of course, Philly fans aren’t the only ones riding the highs and lows of the season. Every fan knows the thrill (and stress!) of backing their team. The benefits of fandom “BIRGing is a fascinating example of how our brains connect to something larger than ourselves,” says Deborah Ubele, DO, a primary care physician with Cooper Care Alliance. “Even though fans aren’t the ones playing, victories trigger real feelings of pride and accomplishment. It’s a form of vicarious success that can lift mood, strengthen social bonds, and give people a sense of belonging.” This emotional lift isn’t just temporary. Research shows that following a team can: • Boost self-esteem. Celebrating your team’s victories can make you feel personally accomplished.• Strengthen social connections. Bonding with other supporters, whether in person or online, helps reduce loneliness and improves overall mental well-being.• Provide a sense of identity and belonging. Being part of a larger group creates a feeling of community, which is linked to better long-term mental health.• Offer a healthy outlet for emotion. Cheering, jumping up in excitement, and even groaning at near-misses gives your brain a safe way to express feelings.• Encourage routine and anticipation. Regular games provide a rhythm to look forward to, which can improve mood and mental resilience. “Essentially, rooting for your team allows you to share in their success – and get a little psychological win for yourself along the way,” Dr. Ubele says. And remember – these lessons don’t just apply to sports. Following a favorite band, participating in group activity, or being part of a volunteer organization can spark similar benefits, from social connection to emotional uplift. Caution: when fandom turns unhealthy Close scores, tough losses, and nail-biting playoff runs can raise stress levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. In fact, studies have found a slight uptick in cardiac events during major championship games. Watch out for common pitfalls: • Drinking too much alcohol at tailgates or during games.• Overindulging in unhealthy game day foods.• Gambling problems, especially with the rise of sports betting.• Mood swings tied to team performance, where wins and losses dominate your emotions. Look for signs that fandom might be affecting your health, finances, or relationships. Do you feel drained or anxious during games? Rely on alcohol or junk food to cope? Or do you let team outcomes control your mood? If so, these may be a sign of a problem. To protect your health while still enjoying the thrill of the game, try these strategies: • Keep perspective. Remember that wins and losses are part of the experience – don’t let them control your mood for days.• Stay active. Incorporate movement on game days, even if it’s just a walk before or after the game.• Moderate indulgence. Enjoy your favorite snacks and drinks in moderation.• Connect with others. Share the experience with friends, family, or other supporters to strengthen social bonds. “Sometimes it’s best to take a cue from the game itself,” said Dr. Ubele. “Knowing when to call a timeout or step to the sideline can help us recenter our emotions. The key is balance – enjoy the excitement but also take care of yourself: get some activity on game days, eat in moderation, and pay attention to how your body responds during stressful moments. That way you can keep cheering for your team for many seasons to come.” Whether you bleed green, live for the hardwood, or support another team entirely, being a sports fan can be good for your health. Just pay attention to your body and your habits so you can enjoy the ups and downs safely – and continue to reap the social and emotional benefits without letting it take a toll. “Remember, being a fan is about having fun,” Dr. Ubele says. “And I promise to do my best to practice what I preach while I’m cheering all season long.” Deborah Ubele, DO, is a proud Philly sports fan and a primary care physician at Cooper’s Brace Road office in Cherry Hill. She’s accepting new patients – no matter which team you root for. Call 856.536.1515 or click here to schedule an appointment today.
