Scientists from the University of Derby have stated that football fans may experience an increase in "mental anxiety" leading to noticeable "physiological symptoms" while watching critical matches. Here’s what watching crucial football games does to the body:
**Increased Stress**
The body releases the hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, during the excitement of watching the match. This is known as the "fight or flight" response as a physiological reaction, preparing our bodies instinctively for a dangerous or frightening situation by releasing hormones. Cortisol increases energy and enhances alertness, but excessive release can lead to a weakened immune system, weight gain, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart problems over time. Previous research has shown an increase in heart attacks among fans on important match days due to dangerous stress levels. Fans release more cortisol when watching crucial matches, according to a study published by experts at the University of Oxford.
**Increased Heart Rate**
The common "fight or flight" hormone, adrenaline, rises during the football match, which increases heart rate. Specific sites on organs' cells, called beta receptors, respond to adrenaline when released by increasing heart rate. Mark Faghy, a professor of clinical exercise science at the University of Derby, stated, "This response is not aimed at improving oxygen transport; rather, it is a response to the hormones being secreted." Blood pressure also rises because the release of these hormones causes blood vessels to constrict, although this is a temporary response. Dr. Andy Houghton, a sports and exercise scientist at the University of Derby, said, "Our heart rate can increase when we feel stressed or anxious, as when watching an important football match."
**Sweaty Palms**
You may find your palms sweating while watching an important football match, as the sweat glands in our hands, forehead, and feet are controlled by the nervous system. When body temperature rises, often due to fight or flight responses, sweat is released for cooling purposes. Mel Lindley, head of the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, noted, "We know that our hands and feet contain a higher concentration of certain types of sweat glands compared to other areas of the body. These stress hormones activate sweat glands in the body, leading to sweaty palms when we feel stressed."
**Rapid Breathing**
Stress causes the body to need to breathe more deeply and rapidly to obtain more oxygen from the air, encouraging complete oxygen exchange, which means replacing the incoming oxygen in the air with outgoing carbon dioxide. This leads to a slowing of the heart rate and a reduction or stabilization of blood pressure in response to stress, so experts from the University of Derby recommend deep breathing in "emotionally charged moments during a football match."
**Happiness Hormones**
Beyond the negatives, the body feels elated during the peak moments of a football match, such as when our favorite team scores a goal or wins the game. Such euphoria leads to the release of "happiness" hormones in the body, such as dopamine, oxytocin, adrenaline, endorphins, and vasopressin. Faghy stated, "These natural chemicals can make us feel good, and their positive effect is beneficial for our health."
