Overlooked Sporting Habits Affecting Men’s Health
For many American men, watching sports is more than just entertainment; it’s a ritual. But these unmissable moments may be shaping everyday habits that could affect their long-term health.
In fact, our survey revealed 73% of men admit to holding in urine for too long while watching sports.* Many ignore their body’s signals to avoid missing key plays.
It may feel harmless in the moment. But over time, these habits can lead to bladder issues, physical strain, and discomfort.
To better understand the impact of these behaviors, we partnered with licensed physiotherapist and fitness expert Alex Lee of Saunny.com and licensed clinical counselor and supervisor Matthew Grammer of Therapy Trainings.
Together, we break down how the body sends signals, the impact of stress and burnout, and why all this matters for men’s long-term health.
How Men Can Support Their Well-Being This Sporting Season
During sporting season, many men stay glued to their screens for hours. Bathroom breaks get delayed, sleep is neglected, and tension builds without them noticing.
Alex Lee explains that the body reacts to the intensity of a match with physical symptoms, much as it would stress.
“The nervous system shifts into a fight-or-flight mode. Breathing becomes shallow, the heart rate and blood pressure rise, while the muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw tighten,” he says.
In fact, TENA’s survey found that 31% of fans experience a racing heartbeat while watching their favorite team play, while 27% hold their breath and 24% notice muscle tension,* highlighting how the body can respond to high-pressure sporting moments in much the same way it reacts to stress in everyday life.
These physical stress symptoms don’t always fade after the game. Headaches, stiffness, and jaw discomfort build up over time, especially during extended periods of sitting and focus.
Meanwhile, consistently delaying basic needs like taking bathroom breaks may indicate a deeper behavioral pattern.
“This may signal a habit of letting the mind override the body. Over time, this could weaken how well men recognize their own body’s signals,” says Matthew Grammer.
“The body constantly communicates through cues like bladder fullness and fatigue, but when these are repeatedly ignored, awareness fades and tension can build,” adds Alex.
A tendency to “push through” is common, they say. Even men who are otherwise disciplined may overlook simple needs, developing negative habits that can affect their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Can Ignoring Stress Signals Affect Men’s Long-Term Health?
The body is constantly working to maintain balance, but ignoring physical and emotional stress signals can disrupt this process.
Stress builds up gradually, explains Matthew, especially when signs of exhaustion, tension, and the need for recovery are overlooked.
This can develop into chronic stress, which may present in both physical and emotional ways and contribute to burnout. Symptoms can include constant fatigue even after rest, feeling mentally drained or “numb,” and reduced motivation.
"What makes emotional and physical stress more complex is that their combined effect can sometimes lead to a breakdown,” Matthew says.
The physical impact
This ongoing strain also affects bodily functions such as recovery, circulation, and overall physical wellbeing.
For example, holding in urine too long and too often increases stress on the bladder muscles, and can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men.
Ignoring fatigue can slow recovery and raise the likelihood of strains or injuries. Long periods of immobility can affect circulation, which may affect normal body processes.
“Recovery is not dependent on a specific technique, but rather on listening to the body's signals at all times,” Alex emphasizes.
Important Body Signals Men Shouldn't Ignore
Warning signs tend to arise when the body is trying to adapt or compensate. Alex highlights the most common ones:
- Muscular tension and stiffness
- Ongoing fatigue, which may signal reduced recovery
- Changes in posture or movement patterns
- Numbness, tingling, or unusual sensations
- Shallow breathing
These signals often appear before pain. When ignored, they can build up to ongoing strain as time goes on. The key is to notice them and respond early.
Building Awareness and Preventing Harmful Habits
So how should men cope with stress when watching sports? Awareness starts with small pauses throughout the day, where men can briefly check in on how they feel physically and mentally.
A simple moment for men to ask themselves, “Am I tense? Hungry? or Tired?” or trying to notice physical cues like a full bladder can help bring their attention back to their bodies.
“Early warning signs are often subtle but important,” says Matthew. When men experience them, it’s time to take a break rather than push through. These signs can include:
- Losing focus or productivity
- Becoming more irritable
- Rising tension or feelings of burnout
“But small, consistent habits can help reduce stress and build awareness without affecting productivity,” he says, advising the following:
- Taking 30 seconds between tasks to notice the body
- Setting reminders to pause and reset focus
- Tracking basic patterns like sleep or mood
From a physical perspective, both Alex and Matthew recommend simple reset habits that support the body during the day, such as:
- Getting up every 30–45 minutes to avoid staying in one position too long
- Light stretching, spinal rotations, and hip movement
- Changing sitting positions to support mobility
- Deep breathing to support relaxation and reduce tension
- Regular hydration to support circulation and tissue health
Why Is Rest Important?
Rest is often misunderstood in discussions around men’s health and wellness. Matthew explains: “Many men associate rest with weakness or inefficiency, but in reality, it’s essential for performance, resilience, and long-term health.
“Reframing rest as a strategic and strength-based behavior helps remove the stigma and makes it easier for men to engage in sustainable self-care.”
A balanced approach to rest should become part of men’s daily routines.
Everyday Awareness Matters for Men’s Health
Looking after the body is essential to long-term health and quality of life. But many of its signals are easy to dismiss when watching an exhilarating match.
Constantly ignoring these signals can lead to avoidable issues like incontinence or burnout developing over time.
Small actions like building rest into daily routines, tracking sleep patterns, staying hydrated, and practicing healthy urinary habits, can help men stay balanced physically and mentally.
In the end, it’s not about making big changes overnight. It’s about men being aware in everyday moments and listening to their body’s signals.
Data & Sources:
* Research conducted by TENA in March 2026.
