How Mental Training can help you
Injury is an unfortunate but undeniable part of sports. From concussions to torn ligaments, athletes put their bodies at risk to play the game they love. When an injury does occur, both big and small, there is an aftermath that results in a physical and an emotional rollercoaster. Whether you are out for the next weekend of games, or it’s a season ending injury, your mental strength will be tested. This is a challenge as well as an opportunity to come out stronger on the other side.
I often refer to the rehabilitation process for return to play as a rollercoaster. You will experience highs and lows as you take big leaps forward, small steps back, and even plateau in your physical recovery. Having and gaining the mental fortitude to endure this rollercoaster can give you a competitive edge when you get cleared to play. So, dive into the physical challenge, and accept the emotions as they come and go. The grief, guilt, identity changes, pride, and love for the game will all be a part of your recovery.
If you are currently going through an injury that has caused a pause or put your performance in a box, I highly encourage you to look into the resources below and try the following tools.
Tools
Basic Needs
Basic Needs
Basic Needs
Before anything else, check in to make sure you are fully taking care of your basic needs: sleep, nutrition, water, and community. Do not overlook any of these for without them, you won’t get very far.
Journal
Basic Needs
Basic Needs
We sometimes get stuck in where we are and where we want to be, and lose sight of where we were and where we are now. Tracking your physical, mental, and emotional progress as injured athletes allows you to look back on what you have accomplished with clarity.
Lean in
Basic Needs
Lean in
Lean into your rehab, lean into your support system, lean into your love for the game, lean into the hobbies you haven’t had time for, lean into the opportunity as something you get to do instead of have to.
