It's that time of year again - fantasy football season has arrived! Many are eagerly anticipating gathering with friends and family to watch their favorite sport, all while avoiding the dreaded punishment for coming in last place in their fantasy league. However, it's important to note that fantasy football can also bring added stress to your daily life during the season. In fact, a recent study suggests that participating in fantasy football could potentially have a negative impact on your mental health.
According to, Jerry Gold, PhD, an administrative director of behavioral health at Scripps Health, fantasy football can interfere with your everyday life.
“It can become a problem when it becomes seriously competitive and competes with work and other day-to-day activities and begins to affect relationships with your spouse and others,” Gold says. “When it consumes you and you get angry, it becomes a problem just like any other addictive behavior… fantasy football is designed for entertainment purposes. There’s nothing wrong with playing to win but be aware of how much time and energy you’re devoting to it,” Gold states.
Gold also says to look out for warning signs that include anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and loneliness.
However, there is a way to enjoy fantasy football without the added stress. If you are looking towards enjoying games this season, here's a guide to managing your stress and becoming a better fantasy football manager.
1. Keep it to one league
A helpful tip for managing stress when playing fantasy football is to limit yourself to just one league. Taking on additional teams can increase your stress levels, especially as the season progresses.
By focusing all your attention on one team, you can allocate more energy to developing effective strategies that will help you end up on top.
2. Add a walk into your Sunday routine
Take some time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air before or after watching Sunday games.
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A short walk around the block can have a positive effect on your mental well-being and prevent you from being a couch potato all day.
3. Watch only one game
It's not necessary to keep tabs on every game played every Sunday if it only causes anxiety and nervousness. Instead, choose one game to watch and partake in other enjoyable activities throughout the rest of the day.
4. Take deep breaths
Let’s say you find yourself in a stressful situation. For example, if your fantasy players aren't performing well this week or if your star running back is injured, take a few deep breaths instead of panicking.
5. Pick a league with little to no buy-in
If you feel stressed or anxious about large prizes in fantasy leagues, consider joining a low-expectations league that doesn't require a buy-in or has a minimal fee. This way, you can enjoy the game without worrying about the outcome, whether you win or lose.
6. Remember-- it is a fantasy
When it comes to fantasy football, it's important to remember that it's all about the fantasy. Don't let your mental well-being be affected by the performance of football players.
If you start feeling stressed during the season, remind yourself that it's just a game with no consequences. Always feel free to step back from a team if it gets too overwhelming.
Although fantasy football can be an enjoyable activity during the football season, it's crucial not to let it take over your entire life. Remember to take things easy this season and we wish you all the best as you strive to win the championship. However, even if you don't come out on top, we hope you still have a great time!
