The national news is rough right now. What’s happening in Minnesota is illegal, unconstitutional, unethical—and really scary. I do take some comfort in watching people stand up for what’s right, but sometimes the healthiest thing I can do is step away from the constant stream of headlines for my own sanity.
Enter: the NFL playoffs. Few things can hold my attention for hours the way a close, well-played football game can, and the last couple of weekends have delivered. Bonus points for the nonstop motion and bright colors on the screen, which have completely captivated my cats.
For as long as professional sports have existed, people have used them as a mental break from whatever is weighing on the world—war, economic stress, or just the general chaos of “everything.” There’s something about spending a few hours fully absorbed in rooting for your team (or passionately rooting against one) that is good for the soul
Football season is winding down, but the Olympics are on the horizon. College and pro basketball and hockey are in full swing, and before long, baseball will be back too.
It’s okay—necessary, even—to find joy and distraction during dark times. So yes. Go sports.