Feeling empty after finishing a great book or TV series is a common experience known as "post-series/book blues" or "book/series hangover." This emotional response can be attributed to a combination of psychological and neurological factors:
Emotional Investment: When you immerse yourself in a captivating story, you develop an emotional connection with the characters and their journeys. You may become invested in their lives and feel like you are a part of their world. As the story ends, you might experience a sense of loss or separation from these fictional characters.
Escapism: Books and TV series provide an escape from reality, offering a temporary respite from the challenges and stresses of everyday life. After spending a significant amount of time in this alternate reality, returning to the real world can feel mundane and unexciting.
Closure: When a book or series concludes, you may feel a void because the world you were engrossed in suddenly comes to an end. You might miss the anticipation of new plot developments and the exploration of uncharted territory within the story.
Meaning and Purpose: Engaging with powerful stories can often provide a sense of purpose and meaning in your life. After finishing the story, you might struggle to find a similar level of purpose or fulfillment.
Habituation: Your brain can become accustomed to the regular stimulus of reading or watching the series. When that stimulation suddenly ends, it can lead to feelings of emptiness or withdrawal.
Social Connection: Books and TV series sometimes serve as a topic of conversation and shared experiences with friends or online communities. After completing the story, you may miss the discussions and bonding that came from sharing the journey with others.
It's important to remember that these feelings are natural and are a testament to the impact the book or series had on you. As time passes, the intensity of these emotions usually diminishes, but the memories and lessons from the story remain with you. To cope with post-series/book blues, you can try finding new books or shows, engaging in discussions with fellow fans, or exploring other hobbies and activities to fill the void.