Can Watching the Olympics Boost Your Well-being?

Tuning into the Olympic Games may seem like a passive activity, but it can be a powerful spark for physical and mental well-being.

“Watching the Olympics doesn’t have to be just entertainment—it can motivate healthier habits, help make new connections, and remind us what the human body and spirit are capable of,” says Columbia psychologist Michael Carollo, PsyD, who shares some specific mind-body benefits.

• Inspiring movement: Seeing elite athletes perform at their peak can help motivate viewers to get active themselves—whether that's walking more, stretching, or trying a new sport or activity.

• Boosting mood and social bonding: Research has shown that watching sporting events triggers the release of feel-good brain chemicals, including dopamine and oxytocin, especially when an athlete or team you identify with is doing well. “These brain chemicals are linked to increased pleasure and social connection and therefore may contribute to the increased sense of joy and togetherness that can occur during the games,” Dr. Carollo says.

• Reinforcing resilience and goal setting: Seeing competitors persist through adversity can inspire viewers to consider their own sense of resilience and perseverance. This can also highlight the importance of patience, discipline, and long-term goal setting in daily life.

• Providing a mental reset: The sheer number of Olympic events means there’s always the opportunity to take a break from our daily stress to watch. Unlike checking in on negative news or social media, the Olympics emphasize positive feelings of aspiration and achievement. 

Try these healthy habits while watching the Olympics

• Stand up or stretch during breaks; get started with these stretching tips.
• Take a short stroll or perform other exercises; just a five-minute walk after a half hour of sitting lowers blood sugar and blood pressure.
• Watch with others, when possible, to enjoy the health benefits of socialization.
• Avoid late-night viewing that disrupts sleep. A consistent sleep routine promotes better sleep quality over time.