JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Olympic fever is spreading across the country. Americans everywhere are coming down with the patriotic condition. Dr. Scott Bea, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic, says this type of outbreak is contagious, in a good way.
"The Olympics of course fuels a sense of patriotism, and community, we combine that with our awareness of snow and winter sports now because we're living in the winter and all of that kind of builds together to get us really kind of pumped up," he said.
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Olympic fever can come on suddenly, often because we're exposed to positive Olympic imagery from the past and those images fuel excitement and camaraderie. Particularly when Americans are successful, it forces us to feel a sense of pride not only with each other, but within ourselves.
Bea says if winter weather has you feeling a little down, the Olympics may be the perfect opportunity to lift your spirits socially.
"One of the nice things about the Olympics, because the weather has been so severe some of us are feeling a little shut in, it gives us one other option to share with our loved ones, families and kids together if we're not too fond of going outside and we can be excited together," explained Bea.
If you're looking to fuel your Olympic fever, Bea says plan a trip where you can get out and try an Olympic sport like snowboarding. Or, you don't have to go far to try a little ice skating. For more information on ice skating opportunities in Jacksonville, go to jaxiceandsportscomplex.com.