Last weeks post was all about burnout. Did the post speak to you? Are you burned out, or feeling like you’re a prime candidate for burnout? Now is the time to act! Here are six strategies for dealing with burnout…
- Your Body
When burnout occurs, or one is exhibiting signs of burnout, two things happen to the body. Lack of sleep and not eating right! A good night’s sleep is crucial. Getting good rest is important for recovery from playing, practicing, training, working out, injuries, and stress. Keep in mind, your body needs more the just a good night’s sleep. Your body needs fuel, hydration, and enough oxygen to function correctly. So eat well, hydrate properly, and give yourself time to breathe. Listen to your body!
- Mindfulness
Engage in mindfulness activities and practices. Doing this opens you up to being more aware of your body and your needs. Mindfulness also provides opportunities for rest, relaxation, and more focus on your own thoughts, emotions, your body’s needs, and more.
- Take A Break
It’s ok to take a break and don’t feel guilty! Your body needs time to rest and recover. Your mind needs to do the same! Committed athletes tend to not take a break. Between practices, trainings, workouts, games, and more, athletes go nonstop! But going nonstop is not healthy. Taking a break allows for rest, recovery, and an opportunity to regroup.
- Extra-Curricular Activities
You must be more than your sport! And, you must have some fun! Get a hobby. Get involved in other activities at your school, at home, at your church, in the community. Enjoy a movie with your friends, go on a hike, read a good book, write, play your games, or do nothing at all and relax!
- Stay Organized
The more organized you are, the less stress you encounter! It’s important to manage your time, study time, practices, trainings, etc.
- Tell Somebody
It goes without saying, tell somebody… share what is going on with you. Tell your parent(s), counselor, coach, teacher, doctor, friend(s), other family member, etc. Don’t keep it in, bottled up! That’s not healthy either.
Burnout is real. With everything student-athletes have to deal with, it’s no wonder burnout happens. But with proper planning and awareness, it doesn’t have to happen with you!
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