5 ways athletes can stay on top of their mental health

Athletes have a lot of expectations placed on them by themselves and others, with the mindset of consistently winning. Being an athlete is supposed to be fun because you are playing a sport you have spent hours practicing and finally get to perform those skills. Mental health is not discussed or taught, but everyone has experienced stress or anxiety at some point.

1.      Recognize your feelings and emotions

It would help if you spent time and energy ensuring your brain is healthy, just like any other body part. Your brain is a part of your body, just like your arms and legs; why should you treat it any differently? If you start to feel overwhelmed, speak up before your symptoms progress. Do not be afraid because speaking up raises awareness and lets other people know it is okay to talk about their mental health.

2.      Have a support system

Always ensure you have someone to talk to a friend, family member, coach, or therapist. It may be good to meet with a psychologist or therapist for athletes competing at a high level.

3.      Recognize triggers

Determine what circumstances cause you to feel a heightened sense of anxiety and work toward understanding the why and how behind your responses.

4.      Work on coping strategies

There are many ways to lower stress levels. You can try breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, and grounding techniques, like noticing and naming four colors or smells. All these techniques will bring you back to the present, especially if you are worried about the outcome of an event.

5.      It’s okay to take a break

Mental health is just as important as physical health. It is okay to take a break if you need to tend to your mental health. If you had an infection, you would spend time taking care of it. Mental health is no different; you must take the time to improve.

**Please keep in mind Mackenzie is not an expert and these are suggestions based on research. Please take the suggestions with a grain of salt and to your own discretion.**

-By Mackenzie Bennett, Dreissig Apparel Inc. Fashion Merchandising Intern

Source:

https://rogersbh.org/about-us/newsroom/blog/5-tips-athletes-stay-top-their-mental-health

https://www.teamusa.org/News/2020/May/04/7-Mental-Tips-For-Athletes-That-Can-Help-Us-All-In-This-Time-Of-Uncertainty

Photo Source:

https://thevarsity.ca/2021/09/04/the-unseen-mental-health-struggles-of-elite-athletes/

https://post.edu/blog/your-mind-matters-may-is-mental-health-awareness-month/

https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/yourmentalhealth/2018/6/creating-a-strong-support-system-when-you-have-depression

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/January-2022/Understanding-Mental-Illness-Triggers

https://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/2341635/quick-mindfulness-tricks-deescalate-bad-day/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/photo-stories/warning-signs-the-way-you-instagram-is-unhealthy/take-a-break/photostory/66363930.cms