As a college athlete, there are many different pressures on you. They could be from parents, coaches, teammates, and sometimes the biggest pressure is from yourself. College athletes have a lot going on with school, a social life, and their sport. These busy schedules and high expectations cause stress, anxiety, and pressure. Dealing with these pressures is never easy, but there are ways to handle it.
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Step Back
Give yourself a break once in a while. If the pressures are getting too high and hard to handle, it is best to do what is best for your mental health. Do something that takes your mind off of what is stressing you the most. And most importantly, do not let anyone drag you down. You are doing your best.
Related: Why You Need to Take Time to Do What You Love
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Talk to your Coach
Good coaches want the best for their athletes. If you are struggling mentally or feel as though you cannot juggle everything at once, let them know. Your coach can help you with your game and mental health. Communication is key when dealing with external and internal pressures.
Related: How to Reach out to Your Coach When You're Struggling
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Seek Help
Talking about your struggles with others is a great way to decompress. Whether it's a teammate, friend, or professional, getting a different perspective or helpful advice can go a long way. There are people and resources on campus that are always available and want to help any way they can. Utilize any help you can get!
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Put Your Situation in Perspective
It is very important to do your best at your sport, but the pressure of being the best can weigh heavy. If you are not having a great day and others are not helping, take a second to think about what really matters in the moment. It is very easy to get wrapped up in the negatives and place the pressure on yourself, but there are always positives to look at, and those are more important. Forgive yourself and move forward.
Related: 4 Tips to Prevent Athlete Burnout
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* Originally published on December 20, 2021, by Sydney DeNardo
