Stress relief, social connectedness among benefits of attending concerts, says psychologist

Are you still on a high from Olivia Rodrigo's "Guts" concert at the Philippine Arena? If the answer is yes, then you are not alone.

According to "24 Oras" Tuesday, Gelo De Vera was one of the lucky concertgoers who got a VIP ticket for Olivia's sold-out show.

"Sobrang saya kasi feeling ko pinsan ko 'yung nag-pe-perform here in her home country. Ilang beses din siya muntikang umiyak and na-fi-feel talaga namin na genuine," Gelo shared of the experience.

As an avid concertgoer, Gelo has not only attended the "Guts" concert, but also other concerts and fan meets of local and international artists including BINI, Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour," and Blackpink's "In Your Area" World Tour.

"Escape kasi from reality 'yung panonood ng concerts. There's no better way of experiencing those music than seeing them live," he added.

Dr. Rea Celine Villa, a psychologist, explained there are many benefits to attending concerts. These include stress relief, release of other pent-up emotions, and social connection.

"Nagkakaroon tayo ng stress relief through fun. Kasama natin 'yung mga taong may parehong hilig, so ito ang nagbibigay s'atin ng feeling na connected tayo. Minsan, may emotions tayong tinatago at ang concert ang isang way para mailabas ito," she said in the report.

She also noted that there's a benefit to delaying one's gratification, such as saving up for a concert ticket.

"May tinatawag na 'delayed gratification.' Ibig sabihin natututo tayong mag antay," she said. "Mas nararamdaman mong worth it talaga."

Olivia performed in front of over 50,000 Livies on Saturday in what was her first-ever concert in the Philippines. It was also  the Grammy Award-winning singer's first time in the country.

Proceeds from the concert went to Olivia's Fund 4 Good, a global initiative committed to building an equitable and just future for women and girls.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News