Football is one of the most exciting and popular games in the world. The excitement of football, activities, and even feelings of anticipation leading up to the game, can be unhealthy in ways you do not realise. Football has lots of fans who can be devoted and go to any length to ensure the team they support wins.
However, you should know that there’s a strong emotion brought on by watching the team you love on their match day. If you’re a devoted fan, you are more at risk of experiencing dangerous levels of the hormone cortisol, which is commonly associated with stress.
Research indicates that men and women experience the same stress levels during a match despite preconceptions that men are more bonded to their football team than women. Any serious football fan experiences dangerous stress levels during games, regardless of the sex.
The most stressful part of every football match is during the semi-final of the team you’re supporting, and that’s when the cortisol usually skyrockets. High levels of cortisol, according to research, can;
– Constrict your blood vessels
–Raise blood pressure
–Cause further damage to an already weakened heart
If you are a hardcore football fan, you must be mindful of the many health conditions tied to extreme stress. While cortisol is essential to responding to life’s daily stresses, however, such cortisol over time can also suppress your immune system ( leading to more coughs, colds, and even allergies), weight gain, and heightened blood pressure with a significant risk of heart disease.
Chronic high levels of stress hormones can also cause higher heart rates that, over time, tend to cause your heart to thicken, just as any other muscle would in response to heavy workloads.
Here are some tips to keep your stress under control while watching the big game:
—Watch the game with people whose company you enjoy
—During commercial breaks, engage in some exercises like pushups or situps
—Chew gums or squeeze a stress ball to lessen anxiety and smooth out your emotions
—Take a brief walk at halftime, or if you are attending a live game, ensure you take a walk around the stadium or to another section to meet a friend.
—Manage your food intake by planning to avoid overeating during the game.
In conclusion, practising the few tips above will keep you healthy even if your team does not win. Meet your doctor for therapy if the case is otherwise.