Tips to celebrate the Super Bowl safely during the pandemic
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Centers for Disease Control has been warning us for months that large gatherings are a bad idea. And with the big game coming up, health experts fear the country will see yet another spike in COVID-19 cases linked to Sunday’s Super Bowl parties.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. It is possible to celebrate the Super Bowl safely and have just as much fun without putting yourself or others at risk of infection.
News 8 spoke with psychology and brain health expert Teralyn Sell, who offered some creative tips on how to enjoy the game with friends and family responsibly.
Tip #1: Tailgate, but in a different way
Use social media as your tailgate event! Create a private Facebook Super Bowl event and invite people to the tailgate. You can incorporate videos, trivia and even some silly prizes into the mix. You could even have guests take selfies in full superfan costumes just for fun! Get your favorite game day snacks ready and tune in with friends virtually. This helps develop a sense of community, which will impact serotonin and endorphins, providing the brain health push that we could all use right now.
Tip #2: Get creative with virtual games
Make sure you have a plan for your virtual fans. For your virtual watch party, create a bingo game here or trivia questions to keep track of fun events that happen during the game. You could even go so far as to hand out some pregame party supplies, such as small trivia games and trinkets to your guests so everyone can play along, creating a sense of community. Having a virtual option also allows you to connect with people who you normally would not be able to because of distance. Having games planned out is a great way to engage a sense of competitiveness and push that dopamine reward pathway (Dopamine loves a good competition!).
Tip #3: Take advantage of collaborative technology
Use the NFL app to keep up with real-time plays. Download the Yahoo! Sports app to join friends in real-time watch parties. Get the kids involved with the Fortnight virtual stadium. There are so many virtual options that allow you to connect with others for the big game, giving you a sense of community during this troubling time. Our endorphins love that connection with others!
News 8’s medical reporter, Dr. Mary Elizabeth Gillis, D.Ed., is a classically trained medical physiologist and biobehavioral research scientist. She has been a health, medical and science reporter for over 5 years. Her work has been featured in national media outlets. You can follow her on Facebook @DrMaryGillis.