We hear it all the time during the post-performance interviews with Olympians: “What’s next?”
Sometimes, the question seems insensitive; can’t one just relish in the present moment? Do we always have to think one step ahead?
After all, when you’re in the midst of an exciting life event—like competing in the Olympics or accomplishing a long-sought goal—it’s easy to relish in the joy and celebration. But, sometimes the “after” feels impossible to face.
Andrew Keh wrote about the Post-Olympic Blues in an article for the New York Times. He discusses how to prepare for the come down after an exciting event in your life— sometimes before it even happens.
The build up
There are all kinds of events we look forward to—professional accomplishments, life milestones, travel, concerts, holidays, even just a small gathering with friends—that can leave us feeling untethered in the aftermath.
The anticipation and preparation for these events can interrupt your everyday routine, making you feel excited and focused. During the event, your brain is likely to increase production of “feel-good hormones,” like endorphins and dopamine.
The comedown
All the build up to an event can make the comedown feel heavy. You may even feel this way during the event (think the “Sunday Scaries” or worrying about returning to work as a vacation nears its end).
This “after” period can leave you feeling anxious or depressed. It can also heighten your emotions as you try to navigate what comes next.
Keh writes about American figure skater Jason Brown after the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing:
“[Brown] said he cried for six days straight — ‘like, sobbing’ — after the 2022 Beijing Games.”
It can be difficult for anyone, but you can take action before and during the event to make the comedown feel less devastating.
How to prepare for the aftermath
Jess Bartley, the senior director of psychological services for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, dedicates a lot of attention to helping athletes understand their path and emotions after the Olympics are over. She calls that period the “post-Games feels.”
Bartley supports identifying new goals as close as possible to the event. This gives people something else to work toward as they navigate the end, which can make the emotional crash feel more structured and purposeful. For example, Speedskater Sarah Warren told Keh she will start studying for the Medical College Admissions Test when she returns home from Milan.
Setting goals can feel daunting, but you can start small. It may be the little push you need to get over the heaviness of an ending.
Bartley also encourages rest and recouperation as you enter the “after.” For Olympians, this can be a long vacation or a break from training. For the everyday person, this may look like one extra day at home after a vacation to ease back into your routine or leaning on something that brings you comfort, like watching your favorite movie.
However you prepare, know that it’s normal to feel sad after something you were looking forward to is over. With a little bit of effort and support, you can keep moving forward to the next exciting event.