What do you do in your downtime? If you’re anything like me, the answer to that is: “as little as possible.” When you’ve got a lot on your plate, sometimes all you want to do when you get some time to yourself is curl up under a blanket and tune out with some trashy TV. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with that! It’s a perfectly valid self-care activity and plus, research shows that being a homebody is better for the environment. But when you think back upon the highlights of the last five years, there’s a good chance that ‘bingeing Gossip Girl for the 10th time’ doesn’t make the list. More likely, things like going to concerts with friends come to mind.
Those times where you’re singing your favourite song in unison with a crowd of thousands with your besties or partner by your side really do feel like the best nights of your life. You can just imagine being 90-years-old and telling your grandchildren “You know, your father and I went to see Post Malone back in 2018!” But did you know that regularly going to concerts can actually help you live to tell that story?
A new study conducted by O2 and behavioural science expert Patrick Fagan from Goldsmith University has found a link between regular concert attendance and a longer life expectancy. The research revealed that attending gigs at least every two weeks could make you live a whopping nine years longer.
The researchers found that feelings of wellbeing increased by 21% after just 20 minutes at a concert. That includes a 25% boost in feelings of self-worth as well as a 25% increase in closeness to others. Mental stimulation also rises by 75% for concert attendees during shows. The report also says “over two thirds (67%) of Brits surveyed saying experiencing live music makes them feel happier than simply listening to music at home—showcasing that the shared experience, which performed so strongly in the research, is key to increasing wellbeing.”
“Our research showcases the profound impact gigs have on feelings of health, happiness and wellbeing—with fortnightly or regular attendance being the key,” Fagan continues. “Combining all of our findings with O2’s research, we arrive at a prescription of a gig a fortnight which could pave the way for almost a decade more years of life.”
So, if you were looking for another excuse to go to Coachella this year, you just found it. Or, you could just win a free trip there for you and your bestie by entering our giveaway! (see @sporteluxe for more info!)
