Why you should follow a sports team

Photo by Matthew Henry from Burst

Here's a confession: I love watching sports. It all began 8 years ago during the 2010 World Cup. Back then, I didn't understand why soccer was SO popular while we, classical musicians, always look for new fans. 

There are so many similarities between athletes and musicians: We must follow a strict routine of practice which can take over our lives. Our families and friends also make sacrifices to make it possible to support us. We prepare physically and mentally before a performance, and let's not forget that a match or a game is actually a performance. 

I started watching sports because I was looking for answers about how to make classical music cool. Now I watch sports because I actually enjoy watching them. Research shows that being a sports fan is actually good for us on many levels. Being a sports fan gives a great sense of community and belonging. It boosts our well-being when we put our hearts and soul into a common cause. I also find inspiration in the dedication and attitude of the players and coach, especially after frustrating games and loses. To read more about the research and the conclusions, check out this Huffington Post article!