Real-Life Health Effects of Fantasy Sports
Real-Life Health Effects of Fantasy Sports
The Health Benefits and Pitfalls of Fantasy Sports
Fantasy sports, a beloved pastime for millions of Americans, has become a complex and thriving industry. While the act of sitting and staring at screens is generally not considered healthy, experts suggest that playing fantasy sports may have several positive effects on players’ health. In this article, we will delve deeper into the different facets of fantasy sports and explore both the potential benefits and pitfalls.
The Birth and Growth of Fantasy Sports
Although fantasy sports have a long history, the modern version as we know it today originated in 1980 with the creation of a rotisserie league baseball by a group of 11 friends. Since then, fantasy sports have exploded in popularity. According to the Fantasy Sports and Gaming Association, more than 50 million U.S. adults played fantasy sports in 2022. With the industry projected to generate over $38 billion in revenue by 2025, it’s evident that fantasy sports have become a significant part of American culture.
Different Types of Fantasy Sports
Not all fantasy sports are created equal. Arlen Moller, an associate professor in the psychology department at the Illinois Institute of Technology, emphasizes the distinction between various types of fantasy sports. Some are more gambling-oriented and played with strangers, while others are built around long-term leagues played between friends and family. These friend-based leagues can provide a regular source of healthy social interaction, combating the national epidemic of loneliness and social isolation.
The Psychological Rewards of Fantasy Sports
Renee Miller, a professor in the department of brain and cognitive science at the University of Rochester, believes that fantasy sports have psychological benefits. As a neuroscientist and avid fantasy sports player, Miller explains that the thrill of waiting to see how a team performs triggers the release of dopamine, responsible for feelings of pleasure. Additionally, positive social interactions during the game contribute to the release of serotonin and oxytocin, chemicals that stabilize mood and protect the brain from stress.
Building Cognitive Flexibility and Mental Stimulation
Playing fantasy sports is not just about entertainment. Miller compares it to puzzles, as it requires creative thinking, mental flexibility, cognitive reasoning, and logical decision-making. Engaging in such cognitively challenging activities can have long-term benefits for brain health. Research suggests that both social and mental stimulation can reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
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The Pitfalls and Risks
While fantasy sports can have many positive aspects, it’s essential to be aware of the potential pitfalls. Daily fantasy games, which involve higher stakes and betting, can resemble gambling more closely than friendly leagues. Excessive engagement in daily fantasy sports has been linked to higher levels of sports betting and online gambling. Although most people enjoy fantasy sports casually, it’s crucial to recognize signs of addiction and ensure that it does not dominate one’s thoughts or interfere with other important aspects of life.
Mindfulness and Moderate Participation
Fantasy sports can be intense during draft time, leading to stress. However, a moderate level of stress can be beneficial for focus and concentration. Chronic or severe stress is a sign to step back and avoid excessive participation. Experts suggest that fantasy sports should occupy no more than 5 to 10% of one’s leisure brain. It’s crucial to strike a balance and prevent it from dominating thoughts or distracting from work or family time.
The Role of Physical Activity
Uninterrupted sitting, often accompanied by poring over stats and watching games, poses a risk for various chronic health conditions, including heart disease. To mitigate this risk, some fantasy sports enthusiasts have incorporated physical activity into their playing routine. For example, one player researches players while walking on a treadmill or climbing stairs. This innovative approach allows for engagement in fantasy sports while promoting physical activity.
Fantasy Sports as a Health Promotion Tool
Recognizing the social and mental benefits of fantasy sports, researchers are exploring ways to harness its potential for health promotion. Arlen Moller and Robert Newton Jr. are collaborating on a grant proposal to study whether adapted fantasy sports games can deliver health information, social support, and physical activity incentives for specific audiences, such as African American men’s health.
Celebrating the Social Bonds of Fantasy Sports
The experiences of Scott Anglemyer from Shawnee, Kansas, highlight the communal nature of fantasy sports. Anglemyer has been playing since the early days of rotisserie league baseball and continues to participate in a 12-team fantasy football league called the League of Sorry Teams (LOST) with friends and colleagues. Managing a fantasy team becomes a fun challenge that fosters camaraderie and shared experiences with others. Whether the outcomes are positive or negative, Anglemyer emphasizes the importance of not allowing fantasy sports to consume one’s life and maintaining a healthy perspective.
In conclusion, fantasy sports can have both positive and negative impacts on players’ health. Engaging in long-term leagues with friends and family can provide social interaction, mental stimulation, and cognitive flexibility, which are all beneficial for brain health. However, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential risks, such as excessive engagement, addictive tendencies, and sedentary behavior. By striking a balance between participation, self-awareness, and moderation, individuals can enjoy the benefits of fantasy sports while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Article By Michael Merschel, American Heart Association News
