Experts Offer Tips to Manage Super Bowl Stress

Mental health professionals advise fans to set boundaries and have a game plan for the big game.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Super Bowl can be an exciting time for many, but the high-stakes environment and pressure to host parties or engage in unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking can also lead to stress and anxiety for some fans. Mental health experts recommend that people attending Super Bowl parties or watching the game set clear boundaries, limit alcohol consumption, and have a plan to take breaks if they start to feel overwhelmed.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl is one of the most watched television events of the year, with millions of people tuning in to watch the game. However, the intense emotions and social pressures surrounding the event can negatively impact the mental health of some fans, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and even substance abuse issues. By providing tips and strategies to manage these challenges, mental health professionals can help ensure that people are able to enjoy the Super Bowl in a healthy and responsible way.

The details

According to John McAnuff, the chief financial officer of Sweetser, a mental health organization, the Super Bowl can trigger intense emotions for fans, especially those whose teams are playing. He expressed concerns about increased alcohol use, sports betting, lack of control over the game's outcome, social pressure to host parties, and the financial strain that hosting can create. To address these issues, McAnuff advises fans to set clear boundaries with friends and family, limit alcohol consumption, and be prepared to take breaks from the festivities if they start to feel overwhelmed.

  • The 2026 Super Bowl will be played on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

John McAnuff

The chief financial officer of Sweetser, a mental health organization.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Vrabel is not going into Sunday without a game plan, so that's my advice for the folks at home. Go in to your party with a plan. Set limits how much alcohol you're going to consume, how much you are going to eat and if you feel like it's not fun any more, you can get up and walk around.”

— John McAnuff, Chief Financial Officer, Sweetser (wmtw.com)

What’s next

Mental health professionals recommend that people who are struggling with Super Bowl-related stress or anxiety seek support from a licensed therapist or counselor.

The takeaway

The Super Bowl is a highly anticipated event, but the intense emotions and social pressures surrounding it can negatively impact the mental health of some fans. By setting boundaries, limiting alcohol consumption, and having a plan to take breaks, people can enjoy the game in a healthy and responsible way.