How Football Season Can Boost Our Social Lives

Football season is well underway. It’s a time of year when many fans across the country convene around a shared passion for their favorite teams. They do more than just cheer for touchdowns and tackles. They build connections, form bonds, and experience being part of a community. In this post, we talk about how football season (being a fan) satisfies our need for human connection, brings people together, and makes us healthier and happier. And what better way to dive into this topic than by recommending a Silicon Valley Press published book titled Fans Have More Friends by David Sikorjak and Ben Valenta?

THE POWER OF FANDOM

The connection between sports and friendship is no secret. It’s as old as time, from ancient gladiator to modern games. What is it about sports that brings people together, fostering friendships that often last a lifetime?

1. Shared Passion: Fandom isn’t just about wearing your team’s colors or yelling at the TV screen during a game. It’s about the shared passion and devotion to a common cause. Whether you’re rooting for the same team or vehemently supporting rival teams, that shared passion creates a sense of belonging.
2. Social Rituals: Football season is marked by rituals–tailgate parties, watch parties, beer, burgers and wings. These rituals not only provide an excuse to socialize but also create cherished memories that strengthen bonds.
3. Team Identity: Sporting events often lead to the formation of fan communities. Think about the camaraderie among Green Bay Packers fans, the “Cheese heads,” or the dedication of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Terrible Towel” waving supporters. These shared symbols and identities create a sense of unity and belonging.

HEALTHY CONNECTIONS

1. Healthier Brain: Learning the rules and complexities of a sport activates the brain’s neural network. Cognitive processes associated with mood, memory and attention are stimulated as a fan watches, anticipates, and experiences the highs and lows and wins and defeats of a game.
2. Emotional Support: When your team faces adversity on the field, it’s reassuring to have a support system of friends who understand your emotional investment. They can empathize with your highs and lows, offering a sense of camaraderie that contributes to deeper social connectedness.
3. Mental and Psychological Stimulation: Football season often involves game-day predictions, trash talk and fantasy football leagues. Engaging in these activities not only keeps your mind sharp but also provides plenty of opportunities for social interaction. It’s also good for self-esteem and overall well-being. Most importantly being a fan can address the loneliness many people face in our country.

FANS HAVE MORE FRIENDS – A MUST READ

If you’re intrigued by the idea that fans have more friends and want to learn what it’s all about, I highly recommend picking up Ben and David’s book, Fans Have More Friends. They present real data that showcase how being a fan tends to lead to a richer and more fulfilling life–socially and financially.

The book, whether you’re a die-hard football fan or someone looking to enhance your social life, will provide valuable insights that can benefit any reader. As football season unfolds, remember that being a fan is not just about the wins and losses on the field. It’s about the friends you reconnect with and make along the way, the memories you create, and the sense of belonging to a larger community. Fandom has the power to make us happier, healthier, and more connected to the people around us. So, grab your favorite team’s jersey, join a watch party, or attend a game in person. This is what football season is all about. Cheers to the fans, the friendships, and the fun of football season! Go Niners!!