If you've ever felt that your favorite team's continual losing might actually be the end of you, you may be right.
With some Americans lamenting the results of this week's election, Dr. Charles Raison of CNN cautions against feeling too strongly. Raison writes that multiple studies have shown that death rates spike in cities after their teams lose major sporting events.
"Most of the deaths are from sudden heart attacks and related cardiovascular events," Raison notes, "suggesting that people get so upset when their side loses that it literally breaks their hearts."
Raison also points to a Nov. 2010 study which suggests a link between fans' stress, anxiety and anger and their cardiovascular health.
Perhaps most important for fans, Raison says, is that they maintain an open mind. Neither winning nor losing will produce the end of the world, and feeling too passionately can actually be dangerous. To help fans cope with their losing feelings, Raison offers three suggestions:
1. Be proactive. Don't let yourself stay in a an emotional place dominated by feelings of hopelessness or powerlessness. Get involved in another activity or cause you care about.
2. Take a break. Tune out -- or turn off -- the news and other sources of information that may make you feel worse right now.
3. Talk about your feelings. Discuss with those who share your sadness -- or those who take an opposite view. After an election, consider talking with with people on the other side, to see if you can gain a better understanding of how they see the world.
Odds are you had nothing to do with your team's loss, and before you know it they'll be taking the field again. So next time your team loses, remember not to get too down on yourself.
It's for your own good.
(H/T to Barstool Sports)
