“Being a sports fan is a very psychologically healthy activity,” says Daniel Warm, professor at Murray State University whose research program centers on the psychology of sport fandom(运动迷). Fandom connects us to other like-minded people, which satisfies our human need for belonging, he says.

These relationships are significant: People who identify as sports fans have higher levels of self-esteem, lower levels of loneliness and tend to be more satisfied with their lives compared to those who aren’t interested in sports, Wann says. Fans tend to have more access to social support, help and resources as well. Research suggests that when people have support from their communities, they have better health.

Beyond bonding, fans get to enjoy the psychological benefits of winning, even if they have nothing to do with the players or games.

Of course, teams sometimes lose. Prior to a sporting event, there’s at least a 50-50 chance that you’re going to be disappointed in your outcome.

So, why do people continue to put their faith behind teams that tend to lose? People who feel a strong psychological connection to a team are more likely to root for a team when they’re having a losing season.

“Sports random has nothing to do with the outcome of a game,” Warm says. For example, if a pizza restaurant continually got your order wrong, you’d likely switch to a more reliable parlor(店铺). But because being a fan is so central to people’s identities, people are willing to accept defeat and continue to be loyal to a team.

Being part of a fan community can also help people cope with losses. A 2019 study found that watching a football game with other fans helps to relieve the negative psychological effects of losing. For fans of the losing team, sharing the pain may have protected them from losing self-esteem.

“There are other things that random brings with it above and beyond the ability to enjoy the team’s successes,” Warm says. Watching sports can be a way to relieve stress, or spend time with family, he says.

To that end, some surveys suggest that activities like March Madness pools can reduce productivity. Any sort of fandom can be distracting, but Warm says that talking about sports at work and spending time with people who share a common interest can make people more excited to go to work.

However, if you find you’re consuming so much sports content that your work is suffering, or it’s impacting your interpersonal relationships, then it can be a sign you should tone it down, he adds.

Do you want to look slim? Here are four easy walking ways to help you lose weight.

●The I'm-so-mad walk. 【小题1】 You’ll not only get a great physical workout, but you’ll also burn off some of the stress in your body. So when you feel annoyed, go for a walk to lose weight.

First step: You can shout wildly, and gesture to yourself. But invite a friend or a family member who understands the situation to join you so as not to attract too much attention. 【小题2】. Sure enough, you will feel free.

●【小题3】 Studies show that you can actually get muscle fibers to fire by imagining yourself performing an activity. Look for opportunities to be “active” rather than to “exercise”.

First step: On days when you're too busy to walk, at least spend a few quiet minutes with your eyes closed. Imagine yourself walking powerfully and purposefully. It will help you develop muscle memory.

●The mini walk. If your day is too packed for your typical 45-minute walk, then take just three separate 15-minute periods. 【小题4】 Besides, you’ll keep your metabolism (新陈代谢) working throughout the day so you'll burn more calories.

First step: It's the same way that basketball players use to train shots mentally. That's a key difference. The latter often feels like an interruption to the day, while the former is a natural part of it.

●The parking and walk. Do you live too far from workplace to walk? 【小题5】 You’ll get your exercise almost without realizing it, save gas, and build a stress-easing area around your workday.

First step: Dress in casual clothes and walking shoes, and then change into your business clothes at the office.

Jogging can be a great way to lose weight and increase fitness. 【小题1】For jog beginners, it is wise to follow some simple and practical jogging tips before they get started.

One of the best and most important jogging tips is to buy a good pair of running shoes.【小题2】Besides, they should not allow the feet to roll in or out too much. Salespeople at shoe stores will be able to assist in choosing a proper pair of shoes.

【小题3】Brightly-colored clothing is preferred to make one more noticeable to vehicles, and reflector strips （反光条 ） should be added to clothes if one jogs at night. If listening to music while jogging, be sure it is not turned up so loud that it is impossible to hear surrounding noises, such as someone yelling or a car honking.

It is also important to maintain proper form while jogging. Keep the back straight, and do not hunch(耸肩） the shoulders forward. Take measured steps, not large ones that can lead to muscle strain and injury. 【小题4】 Ålways carry a bottle of water and take frequent sips.

It may be helpful to pace yourself and keep track of distance while jogging. 【小题5】