It’s that time of year again—when sports fans are living their best lives. The NFL is in full swing, baseball playoffs are heating up, and if you’re like me, you’re trying to catch every WNBA game because, let’s be real, they’re absolutely crushing it. Oh, and let’s not forget the latest buzz—Taylor Swift showing up at NFL games. Whether you’re tuning in for football or Swiftie sightings, there’s a lot happening!
But as a mental health therapist in St. Louis, I’ve seen how the excitement of the season can sometimes lead to challenges. It’s easy to get swept up in the action and lose sight of the people right in front of us—our families. Yes, the Kansas City Chiefs may be dominating the field, but are you also checking in with your partner or kids? Are you truly present, or are you so focused on the game that your family feels like background noise?
Let’s be real: sports are an amazing way to bond with friends and family. A little friendly rivalry can bring people together, and there’s something special about gathering around the TV for game day. But there’s a fine line between enjoying these moments and getting so caught up in them that the game becomes more important than what’s happening in your own home.
Why Staying Present With Family Matters
Think about it this way—when you’re glued to the game, what message does that send to the people around you? Kids, especially, pick up on how we prioritize our time. If they feel like they have to compete with the TV for attention, they might start to feel less important. And sure, one game might not seem like a big deal, but when it’s every Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, the message can add up over time.
Even adults in your life can start to feel neglected if the sports schedule takes over all your quality time together. Your partner might be understanding at first, but after the fourth time you’ve opted for a game over dinner or skipped date night to catch a playoff, the frustration can build.
It’s important to ask yourself, “Am I present with my family? Am I giving them the attention they deserve, or am I just going through the motions while my head is still in the game?” This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy sports (we’re not monsters!), but finding that balance is key.
How to Stay Focused on What’s Important:
So, how do you enjoy this exciting sports season without losing focus on what’s important? Here are a few tips:
Set Boundaries Around Watching and Enjoying Sports
It’s okay to carve out time for yourself to enjoy a game, but try setting boundaries around when and how long you’ll watch. Maybe you limit it to one or two games a week, or perhaps you record the game to watch after family time is over. Boundaries are a great way to ensure that everyone’s needs are being met.
Get the Family Involved in Sports Fan Fun
One way to stay present while still enjoying sports is to include your family in the fun. If your kids or partner are also fans, make it a family event! You can create traditions around game day, like cooking a meal together, making signs for your favorite team, or even wearing matching jerseys. When you turn it into a shared experience, everyone feels included.
Communicate With Your Family
If sports are a big part of your life, let your loved ones know that. Communicate your excitement, but also check in with them to see how they’re feeling about the amount of time spent watching. Maybe they’re fine with it, or maybe they’d appreciate a bit more focus on family activities. Opening up that dialogue can go a long way in ensuring everyone feels heard.
Prioritize Non-Sports Activities
Yes, sports are fun, but don’t forget to balance it out with other activities that matter to your family. Take time away from the screen to go for a walk, play a board game, or simply have a meal together without distractions. By intentionally carving out time for non-sports activities, you’re reminding your family that they’re still your priority.
Don’t Forget About Self-Care
Amidst all the excitement of sports, don’t forget about you! Self-care isn’t just about spa days and bubble baths (although, yes, those are wonderful); it’s about checking in with yourself, too. As a mental health therapist, I often remind clients that being there for your family requires being there for yourself first.
Ask yourself: Am I feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or too caught up in everything going on?
Taking breaks from the screen, practicing mindfulness, or even stepping outside for some fresh air can help you recharge. Maybe carve out time to read a book, take a solo walk, or engage in a hobby that has nothing to do with sports or family obligations. It’s about creating space for you to relax, refresh, and ultimately be more present when it matters most.
Remember, when your own well-being is taken care of, you’ll be in a better position to enjoy family time, sports, and all the other wonderful things life has to offer.
Balance the Hype with the Heart
The excitement of sports season can absolutely bring a lot of joy and connection into our lives, but it can also be a distraction from the things that matter most. Whether you’re celebrating a touchdown or cheering on your favorite team in the WNBA finals, just make sure that you’re also celebrating the moments that happen off the field—with the people who mean the most to you.
And hey, if Taylor Swift’s latest rumored romance can teach us anything, it’s that life’s greatest moments often happen outside of the spotlight. So, take a page from her playbook: enjoy the show, but don’t forget to stay grounded in what really matters—your relationships, your family, your self-care, and the connections that make life truly meaningful.
Consider Therapy in West County, MO
Go sports! Or, hooray for an excuse to escape into a good book for a bit. Whatever your family’s style, we want to support you and your needs. Our expert therapists at Marble Wellness in the West County area are well equipped and eager to help!
Contact Us!
Learn About Our Group Offerings
Additional Counseling Services at Marble Wellness in St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL
Counseling services are designed to help set you on a path of living a more fulfilled, calm, and happy life.
St. Louis
Our St. Louis team of therapists has a variety of training backgrounds and areas of expertise. We specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, therapy for men, couples, and maternal overwhelm. Our practice also helps new moms with various postpartum concerns, moms in the thick of parenting, and moms with teens. We can also chat from wherever you are in the state with online therapy in Missouri and online therapy in Illinois. No matter where you are in your journey, we would love to support you.
Chicago
Our Chicago team of therapists offers a wide range of mental health services to help our clients through the different challenges and hurdles in their lives. In addition to anxiety, depression, grief, therapy for men, and maternal overwhelm, we specialize in professional burnout, therapy for breakups, and love partnering with working moms.
