Beyond simply providing entertainment and relaxation, watching sports fosters community and belonging, which benefits both individuals and their society.
Despite its recognised positive effects, limited evidence exists on the link between watching sports and well-being.
To address this gap, a team of Japanese researchers used a multi-method approach and found that sports viewing activates brain reward circuits, leading to improved well-being.
This is especially true when watching popular sports like baseball or football, which can notably boost both physical and mental well-being.