After the Springboks semi-final clutch to secure the win, fans needed serious therapy. Once again, our nation’s heroic athletes left the hopes of another Rugby World Cup victory down to the wire. When the final whistle was blown, we were both ecstatic and relieved. On the one hand, the W was ours; on the other, we’d all been through emotional turmoil.
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On Twitter and Facebook, fans shared their experiences. “I had a mental breakdown,” wrote one user; “I’m going to have to take a day off work just to recover,” chimed in another. The verdict? We were overjoyed, but we’d also been through it.
While the stakes are higher than ever, this isn’t uncommon territory for sporting fans the world over. Cheering on your favourite team can lead to unparalleled joy, but it can also be heartbreaking. Which begs the question: what are these high-stress matches doing to your health?
Here’s What Happens When You’re Watching Sport
You already know that a high-stress final (or relegation fight) can leave you feeling tanked. It’s no surprise that in the US, doctors and nurses have noted an uptick of patients complaining about having chest pain, trouble breathing and everything in between in the aftermath of a World Series or Super Bowl game.
Researchers started digging to understand the toll these matches were taking on the average man. In one study, they looked at a group of spectators at a series of hockey games. What they found is that their heart rate doubled during a match, with fans in the arena experiencing a greater spike than those scoping out the score on their TVs. To put that into perspective: matches left fan’s hearts racing at the same pace usually reserved for those tackling a moderate exercise session.
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A Chinese study found that men who had suffered heart attacks were more likely to show signs of activated blood clotting reduced blood flow to the heart while they were watching Olympic face-offs instead of some light entertainment.
Researchers were already noting the potentially fatal risks of spectator sports back in the 90s. Back then, those attending Scottish football matches suffered from increased blood pressure and an elevated heart rate. These spikes tended to coincide with big moments during the game like goals being scored. Now just think what that match against England did to your own heart rate.
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But Wait… There’s Good News, Too
It’s not all doom and gloom. Turns out, watching sport can have a positive impact on your mental well-being. In a study published in Frontiers in Public Health, those attending live sporting events tended to feel less lonely, have a greater sense of purpose and were more satisfied than before watching their team in action. And that doesn’t just apply to top-tier teams. (Yes, even you relegation regulars can benefit from tuning in.)
“Watching live sport of all types provides many opportunities for social interaction and this helps to forge group identity and belonging,” says the study’s lead author Dr. Helen Keyes, who is the head of the School of Psychology and Sport Science at Anglia Ruskin University.
How You Can Avoid the Risks
With the final around the corner, and the efficient and dangerous New Zealand side to overcome this weekend, are there any ways to mitigate some of the health risk factors associated with our spectating habits? Certainly.
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An elevated heartrate is unavoidable for any superfan, so it’s important to steel your ticker for Saturday’s inevitable swings, roundabouts and ridiculous drop goals. Harvard Health Publishing suggests sidestepping salty junk food on the day as this type of fare can put strain on your heart. You’ll also want to stay well hydrated, doubling your water intake if you’re planning to indulge in a brew or two. (Although, be warned: alcohol can increase your heart rate before even throwing a high-stress rugby match into the mix.)
Alternatively, the Springboks can kick off with a commanding lead and finish with a comfortable, decisive victory. Fingers crossed.
