Those Post-Olympic Blues Are Real

The last two weeks were so incredible. I had the pleasure of covering the games with twice-daily Olympic updates on our Civic Media radio stations. For most of us, the two weeks of the games are like a vacation. A break from the same-old routine, a break from our typical television viewing habits, and most importantly….a break from the polarization of society. For two weeks, nations came together in the name of sport. Blurring the lines that divide us. Not just internationally, but domestically as well. There was no division, no politics, no underlying agendas, no social barriers. Just the culmination of tons of hard work, and the joy of being recognized and rewarded for a job well done. But, now that the games are over, you might feel a sort-of emptiness inside. That’s the post-Olympic blues, and it’s a real thing. Here’s why many of us feel this way after the games have concluded.

We Get Used to the Excitement

The Olympics are intense. There are constant competitions, emotional stories, medal counts, and big moments every single day. Your brain loves that kind of excitement. It releases chemicals like dopamine — the “feel good” chemical — when something thrilling happens. When the Games end, that steady stream of excitement suddenly stops. It’s a bit like finishing a really great TV series. You go from daily drama and emotion… to nothing. That drop can feel surprisingly empty.

It Becomes Part of Our Routine

For two weeks, watching events might become part of your daily schedule:

• Turn on coverage in the morning
• Check medal standings at lunch
• Watch finals at night

When something becomes part of your routine, your brain expects it. Once it’s gone, you feel the gap. Humans like predictability. When a temporary routine disappears, it can feel like losing something familiar.

We Feel Connected — Then It Stops

The Olympics create a strong sense of connection:

• We cheer for our country.
• We learn athletes’ personal stories.
• We celebrate wins together on social media.

There’s a shared global energy. Even strangers feel united. When it ends, that shared experience fades. The group excitement quiets down. That sudden loss of connection can feel lonely.

We’re Inspired — Then Reality Returns

The Olympics are full of powerful stories:

• Comebacks after injury
• Underdog victories
• Lifelong dreams coming true

For a short time, it feels like anything is possible. Then normal life resumes — work, chores, stress, bills. The contrast between the inspiring Olympic world and everyday life can feel disappointing. It’s not that life is bad. It’s just less dramatic than the Olympics.

Big Emotional Highs Often Have a “Crash”

Any major event — holidays, weddings, vacations — can lead to a small emotional dip afterward. It’s a normal psychological pattern:

1. Anticipation
2. Intense experience
3. Letdown

The bigger the buildup, the bigger the emotional drop afterward. The Olympics have years of buildup and global attention. That makes the emotional shift even stronger.

Is It a Serious Problem?

For most people, post-Olympics blues are mild and temporary. You might feel:

• A little bored
• A little nostalgic
• A bit unmotivated for a few days

Usually, the feeling fades quickly as new routines and interests take over.

What Helps?

If you feel that letdown, here are simple ways to handle it:

• Stay inspired – Try a new workout or sport.
• Watch highlights – Relive the best moments.
• Follow athletes’ journeys – Many continue competing.
• Find the next event – World championships and other competitions happen regularly.
• Create a new goal – Channel that Olympic motivation into something personal.

The Good News

Feeling a little sad when the Olympics end actually says something positive: you cared. You connected. You were inspired.

That emotional response means the Games did what they’re meant to do — bring people together and make us feel something bigger than ourselves.

And the best part? The next Olympics are always coming.