Self Care and Stress Management -

Many of you reading this are hard-charging athletes that burn the candle at both ends - two-a-day training sessions, careers, family, school. And, it’s ironic that athletes so dedicated to their training and nutrition are missing a big part of what will keep them healthy: self-care. 

We all know the perils of going too hard for too long - messed up hormones, disrupted sleep, appetite issues, etc. But, did you know that your mental health can also suffer, which can ultimately affect your physical performance? 

So, don’t forget to take time for yourself. This could be meditation, breathing practice, having a bedtime ritual to ensure you get eight hours of sleep per night, taking rest days, engaging in a hobby you love, spending time with friends, getting some bodywork done. Do something that makes you feel good AWAY from the gym.

If you don’t feel you have the time, therein lies the problem. Self-care doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Choose a form of self-care and work it in like you would any other important event. You may have to nix a workout per week, but IT WILL BE OK. You won’t “lose anything” physically and, in actuality, you will most likely gain. 

Keep that mental health in check!