Turns Out Watching Sports Is Basically Self-Care

Published December 17, 2025

(Science Says So)

Good news for anyone who’s ever yelled at a TV, blamed a ref for their bad mood, or planned their weekend around a game: watching sports might actually make you happier in the long run.

And yes, science agrees.

Also, a gentle Canadian head nod to everyone who just got eliminated from their fantasy football playoffs. It’s okay to be mad. You loved. You believed. You were betrayed by a kicker.

Here’s why cheering for your team is doing more for you than just killing time between snacks.

1. It Makes You Feel Less Alone

Even When You’re Yelling by Yourself

Whether you’re in a packed stadium, crowded into a sports bar, or aggressively texting friends during the third period, sports make you feel connected.

And even if you’re watching solo on the couch? You’re still part of something bigger. Online fan groups, group chats, live tweets, and comment sections full of strangers who feel the same rage you do.

It’s a community. With jerseys.

2. It Lets You Emotionally Lose It (In a Healthy Way)

Yelling at the TV? Totally normal.
Groaning, cheering, pacing the room? Also fine.

Sports permit you to let emotions out without needing a “real” reason. And science says that cheering, groaning, or dramatically mourning a loss releases dopamine, which helps lower stress.

Basically, that meltdown over a missed call might be cheaper than therapy.

3. Your Team Becomes Part of Who You Are

For Better or Worse

Sports teams connect us to where we’re from, where we live, or that one magical season we’ll never stop talking about.

They help shape identity. They give us something to belong to. And they instantly help you find your people. If someone loves your team, congratulations. You’re now friends.

If they hate your team? Also friends. Just louder ones.

4. It’s Socializing Without the Pressure

Watching sports is social interaction on easy mode.

You don’t need deep conversations. You don’t need to “catch up.” You just need opinions, mild trash talk, and strong feelings about a play that happened six seconds ago.

It’s bonding without emotional labour. A Canadian dream.

5. It Actually Keeps Your Brain Sharp

Even With a Beer in Hand

Fantasy leagues, stats, trades, predictions… that’s mental math, strategy, and memory all firing at once.

Researchers say keeping up with stats and games helps keep your brain active, which could help balance out the couch, the snacks, and whatever you’re drinking during overtime.

Think of it as brain cardio.