With the crazy schedules of student athletes, it's hard to focus on your well being – but it's essential to your performance. Taking an extra thirty minutes in the morning to focus on you will make a difference in your mental health and therefore your athletic and academic performance. Whether you're in season or in the offseason, these habits are sure to set the tone for your day.
Meditation
Some people might call it a “fad” or a cliche, but beginning your day with a few minutes of meditation can make all the difference. This can look different for each person. For some who are religious, prayer can count as meditation. For others, meditation can mean envisioning your future, giving thanks for the positives in your life, or sitting in complete silence and practicing deep breathing. Whichever method you prefer, setting apart 5 or 10 minutes of your morning to get centered will help you prepare for your long day. If you don't believe us, look at all the greats – Kobe, Lebron, and Derek Jeter – who do this daily!
Related: Athletes: How to Practice Mindfulness
Stretching
We can't emphasize this enough! It's so simple, but many athletes don't stretch nearly enough or just neglect stretching altogether. It gets your blood flowing, relieves stress and tension, and aids in muscle recovery and use. You might think: why can't I just stretch before practice or at night? Incorporating this into your morning routine will help wake you up, and start your day off feeling good – physically and mentally. It's also easier to “forget” to stretch at the end of the day when you're tired, so doing it first thing in the morning is a good way to make sure you don't forget.
Related: 4 Tips to Being an Injury-Free Runner
Taking vitamins/supplements
Vitamins and supplements are not just for people with deficiencies and illnesses, they can also help optimize your health. With our busy schedules as student athletes, it's super easy to forget a meal or not eat as balanced as we should. In addition, with the constant wear and tear on our bodies, it's important to do everything you can to support your body's recovery.
Calcium and/or Vitamin D are both great supplements for athletes in order to support muscle mass and prevent injury. Many female athletes are also low in iron, so iron supplements might be a good idea for you. In addition, B vitamins and ashwagandha are two great options for energy and endurance. However, always consult with your doctor for proper medical advice and to find out which vitamins could be good for your body!
Related: Nutrition for Athletes: Overview
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* Originally published on January 11, 2022, by Celeste Gutierrez
