Whether you’re cheering for a new year, a sports team, or a birthday, it feels good. Could there be lasting benefits?

Such benefits were reported by Nick Hornby in his book, Fever Pitch. He explains that his seven-year depression suddenly lifted after cheering the victory of his favorite team. This took him by surprise, and he was even embarrassed by it. He couldn’t believe his emotions could depend on something so banal, yet his gloom coincided precisely with Arsenal’s seven-year losing streak.