New Delhi, India

If you are an avid sports follower and love watching games, then there is good news for you. A new study has shown that people who watch sports have a greater well-being than those who don't. So even if the recently concluded T20 Cricket World Cup, European Football Championship and Wimbledon took you to the pits of stress or left you feeling incredibly ecstatic, the overall impact on your health was good. 

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This is in comparison to people who do not watch sports. Such people also live longer as their psychological state is much better, thus translating to better physical health than people with lower well-being. They are also more satisfied in life and experience fewer symptoms of depression. 

The study was conducted at the Anglia Ruskin University and involved 7,209 adults, aged 16-85, living in England. They all participated in the Taking Part Survey commissioned by the UK government.

Also Read: Scientists pinpoint brain area responsible for curiosity

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Sports creates strong social connection

The study revealed that people who have watched a live sporting event in the last year don't feel lonely as much and feel their lives are more worthwhile. However, even if one is not able to catch a live sporting event, simply watching them on television also improves well-being. They also had fewer episodes of depression.

Notably, feeling strongly for one particular team also had a positive impact on the health as they are more likely to feel emotionally supported by fellow fans.

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People who watched sports with increasing frequency were in an even better state than those who didn't, with an extremely low likelihood of having depressive symptoms. They also feel more fulfilled in life and experience more life satisfaction.

According to the researchers, watching sports is all about a sense of community. People make friends with like-minded people and bond with them over sports. This leads them to feel connected and helps them find social and emotional support.