POST SEASON BLUES - A STUDY
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Today, a study revealed that 73% of football fans are at a loss for things to occupy their time once the season finishes. With almost one in twenty fans disclosing that a massive void opens up in their lives in the absence of football and a further one in seven football fans confessing to feelings of utter desolation in the off-season – with or without the Confederations Cup.
The study, commissioned by Gillette Football Club, aims to highlight the reality of Post Season Blues (PSB) and offer football fans a “Soccer Solution” to their problem. Neuropsychologist Dr David Lewis warns that fans will be particularly at risk from PSB this Saturday, “While PSB can strike on any day of the week, in my professional experience what had previously been match days-especially when these fall on a weekend- are when the fans are most at risk.” He goes on to explain that, “anyone who doubts the strength of what has been termed Post Season Blues (PSB) clearly fails to appreciate the intensity of the passions aroused by the ‘beautiful game’. The fans conscious mind has little or no control over the powerful emotions generated.”
Other findings revealed that six out of ten fans dread the end of the football season and the “replacement” activities they would have to participate in. Off-season fears included having to go shopping with their partners (16%), not having an excuse to go to the pub (13%) and 6% terrified of having to spend more time with loved ones and partners.
Dr David Lewis describes how the excitement of a hard fought match and especially their team’s victory, releases a cascade of potent ‘feel good’ chemicals coursing through the pleasure centres of the fan’s brain. Among the most powerful of these mind-altering chemicals is the neurotransmitter dopamine. This is capable of generating feelings not just of excitement but also of euphoria. As a result, when the season ends, they experience ‘withdrawal’ symptoms including agitation, irritability, anxiety and a sense of emptiness in their lives. The fan’s sleep may also be affected, with early waking becoming more common.
Dr David Lewis recommends a number of proactive approaches to avoid succumbing to PSB this Saturday including anticipating the “void” and making plans to fill your time in advance of what would have been match day.
Now in its second year Gillette Football Club, allows users to access the latest goals, highlights, news and statistics from over fifty different clubs. At sign up, you will have the option to select your favourite leagues and clubs and have the latest videos delivered the moment they are available so you can ward off PSB. To get your fix of all the action from Christian Eriksen and highlights from all the Eredivisie visit the Gillette Football Club, home to some of the best football footage from across Europe, prevent your post season blues right now visit www.youtube.com/gillettefootballclub.