WILLIAMSTOWN, M.A. -- "I didn't really care about football. I'm looking forward to the Red Sox season," said Williams College Psychology Professor Steven Fein.

Looking ahead is one way to deal with a giant loss in sports. But he has a point. We love rooting for our home team, so much that we risk that hated feeling of loss. But why do we care so much?

"It often feels really good to associate with something bigger than ourselves. A lot of time we get our self-esteem, not only from our own accomplishments, but from a collective group that we're symbolically a part of," said Fein.

So when our home team wins, we all win. When they lose it's their fault, not ours, right? Some psychologists say the human condition has a tendency to separate ourselves from defeat. But how?

"Something that's distracting. Any kind of hobby. And something like yoga has the physical and mental together. It's relaxing. I'm sure that has some positive benefits," said Fein.

Yoga may be an option, but not everybody has the patience to sit, relax, and meditate for a while.

"The most important thing is to able to breath and settle your body down and take time for yourself. Realize that there are more important things than winning and losing," said Yoga Instructor
John Wall.

Ok, so look at the Budda, smell the incense, and take a little time to yourself. But what if you want a taste of victory after a tough loss?

"Everybody wins in Yoga," said Wall.

For now it sounds like a winning idea. At least until next year.