Notes on Athlete Well-being

Traditionally in sport, we often focus on the physical side – strength, agility and skill. However in more recent times, we are paying more attention to an athlete’s mentality and their mental health. An athlete’s mind is an important aspect to check and look after, and it’s great that we are more than ever considering athlete well-being.

Just like anyone else, athletes can feel anxious, stressed, or down. The pressure of performing can affect their mental health in a negative way. One issue is that people may not feel comfortable to talk about their feelings. This needs to change. We should all feel safe to talk about our struggles without worrying about judgement. Talking about mental health can make all the difference – we can improve our own and other’s mindsets when talking about our internal struggles. This can make the world of difference.

Looking after your mental health isn’t just about fixing problems, you also need to create and maintain a positive environment for your headspace. Everyone plays a part in this. Surround yourself with the right people that support you, build those relationships with people to talk about where you stand and overcome what you’re experiencing. I know this can be difficult during a busy schedule, but like rest, diet, sleep, etc., having a support network around you is equally as important for your development.

Taking care of your mental health is super important, we should not neglect it in the sole pursuit of success. Don’t get me wrong, sacrifice and hard work is important, but there is a line. We all have feelings and I encourage you to create a space to talk about them for you and everyone around you. If you’re mentally healthy and feel supported, you’ll be able to deal with setbacks better and have more strength and resilience in difficult times. Ultimately leading to better odds of achieving what you want to achieve.

Talk to a close loved one, ask how they’re doing and share your personal experiences. You’ll be grateful for it.

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