Vikings fan wearing a #4 Brett Favre jersey
Escapism and healthy distractions are good for mental balance. It does no good to keep yourself rooted in your life problems 24 hours a day. Without a mental break, it is possible to succumb to the pressures of life. As the NFL and college football seasons ramp up, there’s no doubt that a little escapism will involve watching bodies collide over the pigskin.
As much fun as the NFL and NCAA games can be to watch, we should be careful to check your emotional investment with the wins and losses. Granted, some football teams do directly impact people’s livelihoods such as souvenir sellers, stadium and team employees. But if you are not directly affiliated with the team, here are some questions you may want to ponder:
*After a loss, are you disappointed for a short period of time, or does it last longer or until the next win?
*When your favorite team lost, do you have genuine anger towards them, the opposing team or their fans? How do your family and friends act around you after a loss?
*Is your rivalry with another team light-hearted, or does it cause adverse relationships with family and friends who root for the other side?
*Is your favorite team’s victory the only happiness and positive mental boost for your week?
*If your team wins, do you fear of an impending loss? For example “yeah, they got lucky this time, but they’ll surely fizzle out this season.”
If some of your answers disturb you, perhaps your self-esteem is deeply rooted in your team. Is it possible to be a big fan without sacrificing self-esteem? Absolutely yes. Just keep in mind that with the wins and losses, your locus of control is limited. Enjoy the game as it should be enjoyed. Keep the rivalries on the surface. Supporting a team in tough times doesn’t mean you have to suffer as well. And just like good sportsmanship, remember to “shake hands” with your fellow rival fans after the game.
Comments
Thanks for reminding me, I need a vacation. :-)
Good article Paul. I catch my self-esteem trying to hide under my shoes occasionally, and that is not good in any respect for me.
Once upon a time I was a football widow. . . now I am married to someone with a healthy respect of all the fun and games.
Wow. What a neat topic. This is unique enough for a magazine. (Maybe you should send it to Bonkers?)
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