New research: Watching sports matches makes you happier

Scientists have discovered that people are happier when watching sports competitions, especially sports like football, basketball, swimming.

The study was conducted by authors from Waseda University in Japan, led by professor Shintaro Sato.

Sports fans rate their mental health higher than non-watchers - (Photo: Alamy)

Their survey of more than 20,000 people found that sports fans rated their mental health higher than non-watchers. MRI scans later revealed the brain's "arousal center" became hyperactive when people watched sports clips.

"This shows that sports competition is a chemical stimulant that creates a feeling of joy , " Professor Sato said.

He also found that the brain structure of sports supporters began to change over time, so there were more electrical signals in areas associated with positive emotions.

Researchers believe that cheering at competitions releases feel-good hormones in the brain, even in people who don't watch regularly.

Sports with large crowds, such as swimming, soccer and rugby, provide the most fun. Notably, watching live sports helps "foster a sense of community and connection."

In the journal Sports Management Review , professor Shintaro Sato wrote: "These results provide an insight that watching popular sports can help improve both health and relationships with those around you.

In addition, brain structure can gradually change, making it easier for people to experience feelings of happiness."