Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/352688
28 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | AUGUST 2014 W here were you on February 2, 2014? Who was with you? How about a tougher question: What was going on inside your brain that day? If you are a passionate Seattle Seahawks fan, your brain was expressing a cascade of neurochemicals. What's more, your mind and body were responding to watching the Super Bowl in ways that may prove to be good for your health. Yes, there really are brain health benefits to being a sports fan. Scientists are studying the brain activities of fans before, during and after they watch a sporting event. ey have also looked at the social and health benefits of being part of sports fan groups, or "fandoms." What they have found is that the neurochemical oxytocin often releases when fans are watching a sporting event. is hormone is associated with increased feelings of bonding and empathy. When their team wins, a fan's hypothalamus may also provide the brain with a dose of dopamine—a hormone and neurotransmitter related to the brain's reward and pleasure centers. Researchers have further found that socializing and bonding with like-minded people provides long-term benefits to your health and well-being. It also helps prevent Wellness By Roger Anunsen, MINDRAMP Consulting co-founder and principal O ur culture has long had a compelling fascination with the brain—our organ of perception, emotion, memory, and action. Neuroscience, the study of the brain and the nervous system, is a fascinating and growing field. Currently, research in this field is being driven by economic pres- sure. After all, the cost of brain disorders to the U.S. economy—in terms of treatment, lost wages, caregiving, and health care—is in the billions of dollars. What can we take away from neuroscience research to benefit our health and quality of life right now? A lot! There is especially good news for you die-hard sports fans. It turns out that rooting for your team affects neurotransmit- ters, your relationship to the com- munity, and your overall brain health and physical health. In this piece, brain health educator Roger Anunsen offers a fun and educational look at the research that explains why Seattle is still reaping the health benefits from our Seahawks winning the Super Bowl! And search for "brain health" at wac.net to find past Wellness feature articles on this topic. Tamela Thomas, Wellness Manager tamelat@wac.net 206.464.4639 Your brain on sports Hey, Seahawks fans, let it go to your head Why your sports passion is good for your brain