Research Unveils Unexpected Source of Stress in Our Lives
In the thrilling world of sports, fans experience a surge of emotions, including excitement and stress, as their favourite teams compete. A recent study has revealed that these intense feelings can lead to an increase in cortisol levels, a hormone associated with the body's stress response. This cortisol release is similar to what a person experiences under acute stress, helping manage energy and focus during critical moments of the game. However, the cortisol levels typically return to normal after the game, as the acute stress subsides.
On the other hand, professionals in the workplace may experience cortisol release in response to chronic stressors, such as ongoing job pressures, deadlines, or workplace conflicts. This can lead to prolonged elevated cortisol levels, which are associated with health issues like disrupted sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and impaired cognitive functions like decision-making and memory.
Comparing the two scenarios, sports fans typically show short-term, situational cortisol responses tied to the game, whereas professionals may endure longer-term cortisol elevation linked to persistent workplace stressors. This difference can influence the overall health and cognitive impact of the cortisol released.
The passion for sports stems from a sense of belonging and identification, known as identity fusion, that fans experience when they support a team. This emotional investment can lead to increased cortisol concentrations, particularly during a loss. However, fans can manage these emotions by developing coping strategies such as distraction, reframing, relaxation, self-talk, and developing a personalized approach.
Healthy outlets for emotions include cheering for a team, humor, hobbies, and physical activities. Sharing experiences with others can help diffuse intense emotions and foster a sense of camaraderie. It is also crucial to temper expectations and set realistic ones to prevent extreme reactions to wins or losses.
In contrast, professionals in the workplace should avoid aggressive or destructive behaviours in the face of strong emotions. They should take a break to regain composure and return to their tasks with a refreshed mindset. Developing multiple coping strategies can help manage emotions and maintain emotional well-being.
In conclusion, while both sports fans and professionals experience cortisol release related to stress, the nature and duration of this response differ significantly. Sports fans typically show short-term, situational cortisol responses tied to the game, whereas professionals may endure longer-term cortisol elevation linked to persistent workplace stressors. Understanding these differences can help both groups manage stress more effectively and maintain their overall health and well-being.
References: [1] McEwen, B. S. (2007). Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 3(5), 253-264. [2] Lupien, S. J., & McEwen, B. S. (2019). Effects of stress on the brain and behaviour: molecular, cellular and circuit mechanisms. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 20(10), 645-663.
- While sports fans experience short-term, game-related cortisol responses that can be managed through coping strategies, professionals might confront longer-term cortisol elevation due to chronic workplace stressors, which can lead to health-and-wellness issues like disrupted sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and impaired cognitive functions.
- In the realm of science, studies have shown that sports like football increase cortisol levels in fans, similar to acute stress responses, but these levels return to normal post-game. This is in contrast to professionals, whose cortisol levels may remain elevated due to chronic stressors, potentially impacting their health-and-wellness and overall cognitive functions.
