BBC News in Geneva
CountryIf you are a fan of England’s women’s football team, there is a possibility that you are on a bit of an emotional rollercaster.
The quarter-final against Sweden ended with a stressful punishment shootout, while a similar semi-final goal from Mitchell Egimang took place in the 96th minute only.
Jenny of Kent says, “I think I have to go to doctors when I reach home.”
“They are putting us through the ringer.”
Sophie says, “I originally close all my nails,” Sophie says, who is in Switzerland with her sister Charlotte.
Meanwhile, Nicola describes, from Basingstok, feeling unstable. “I had to take some time to decompress.”
Even if you were not looking at action with thousands of other irritable fans in the stadium, there is a possibility that you have felt some similar effects. But are you in a stand or on the couch, why do football matches produce such intense physical reactions?
‘Stress Repons’
The answer lies in our hormones, Dr. Martha Newson, Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Greenwich.
Testosterone, she states, goes during the match days, as adrenaline and stress hormone cortisol. The biggest stress reaction of the most loyal fans is, she says, and it is the same for men and women.
During the peaks in the game – like a nail -biting penalty shootout – adrenaline rush, or fight or flight response, prepares the body for action, Dr. David Crepez -KA, Research of Research and Applied Learning in the Mental Health Foundation says.
While it can feel scary, there is nothing about it – this is a sign that you care.
“You are just completely there with them and this is as if you are running on the spot, you are ready to take that punishment … Your senses are just going to overdrive.”
The heart rate increases as it runs around the body to send more oxygen. And if you feel left, he says, this is because the effects can act as stimulants.
They can stay for hours, affect our sleep because we come down from our excitement and also affect our behavior the next day. Don’t be surprised if you do not feel like eating more or getting out of credit card after the match.
Dr. “Fans consume more calories after a disadvantage,” says News
On the other hand, fans may be urged to separate after a win. “We can see the evolutionary mind working like, well, I live so that I can spend money, I can deposit resources,” she says.
It is all for a game that is considered to be fun and relationship. So what can fans do to manage these very real side effects?
Getty imagesDr. Joseph Barker, a clinical psychologist for NHS and lecturer in clinical psychology at Norwich Medical School, recommend getting a good rest before night.
A clear match day plans are where you are going, what you are doing and what you are likely to do later, will also help reduce stress.
“As we have not found any control during the game, if we can find to control things before and after the game that can build our emotional flexibility.”
It is important to eat well, they say, and as much as it can be attracted, he advises against drinking alcohol, as it gives us less ability to regulate our feelings.
If things are very stressed, they say that fans can always take a break and later join the match again.
Dr. Crapez -KE says the movement is important to help manage that adrenaline boom – when your body is designed for action, there is nowhere for that energy if you live on the couch. But just remember to get out of reaching anything hands and feet.
Row
Most of all, experts recommend trying to re -prepare nerves and shaking as a pleasant experience.
“Especially in England, it is not necessary to express our feelings. And the game gives us an excuse to do so. Sport gives us licenses to shout, shout, dance, cheer, to sing.”
“Even if we don’t win, you are still part of something big … This is something that we can all be proud and enjoyed.”
This is a scene shared in Geneva by Jenny and Charlotte.
Charlotte recommends to embrace stress and be patient “anything can happen in the previous seconds”.
“You are going to be overwhelmed and your heart rate will increase … but it’s really exciting.”
Additional Reporting by Alice Wicker and Yazmina Garcia
