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How do I help my athlete transition to the 'new normal' with patience and motivation?
During these past couple of months, the lifestyle switch we have all been forced to take on has been world rocking, to say the least. We begin to realize just how great the impact sport and the lifestyle of being active have on our mental health and overall well-being.
...talk about some mental gymnastics!
With changing news every day and states around the country all taking their approaches to a return to ‘normal,’ there are emotional obstacles ahead that we all must face. The key to it all is discovering that individual balance between being patient and motivated.
Have you found your means of catharsis? A way to release all the repressed emotions from this emotional rollercoaster we have all been experiencing?
As we come out of strict quarantine rules and begin to work in some ‘normalcy’, these emotions and feelings aren’t going to just flip a 180. It’s important to continue to keep a firm grip on your mental hygiene and check-in with yourself daily. Communication and virtual connection are going to continue to play a massive role in our day-to-day lives.
Everyone at some point is going to feel down, stressed, anxious, and unmotivated, but it’s going to come down to how you can recognize these thought patterns and channel them. One of the biggest challenges is not knowing how much longer this is going to last. Another week, another month…!? Will facilities open? Naturally, we find ourselves thinking “I wish this wasn’t happening.”
...but it is. So, what can we do about it?!
First, we must accept the reality that we are now living in. This is out of our control. Once again, turning our attention to the controllable is going to be the best mindset focus.
Pre corona times, we had a daily routine. Between school, sport, extracurricular, and social life, without a concise routine, it would be impossible to effectively accomplish goals in all areas. Most can say that having structure and routine allows them to thrive. So, what makes right now any different? We must stick to any version of routine that we can. If you are having difficulty finding a routine and holding yourself accountable to it, RISE Mentors are here to help. Sticking to and adapting to new routines are our forte.
Everything is in flux and routines are constantly shifting. Begin by honing in on the aspects of your routine that make you feel good. When you are going about your routine, what makes you feel proud? What responsibilities need to get done? What tasks do you want to check off the list? Outline the skeleton of that routine. Try not to grasp onto anything super specific right now, just an outline.
Why nothing specific? There is not enough certainty to make “going to the pool at 1 pm for a 90 min training session,” so it is best not to get too attached to the idea of using a facility right now.
So, what can this look like instead?
Work upper body and core muscles associated with those swimming strokes. Research at-home workouts on youtube or from your favorite RISE Olympian mentors!
In terms of morale, this can be quite tough. Missing out on that team or group setting camaraderie is going to be challenging. Imagine the self-discipline you are going to be able to cultivate through doing this!
Stay tuned for the upcoming blogs as we take a deeper dive into finding that balance between motivation and patience as we continually adjust to our new reality.
This blog was originally published by RISE Athletes.
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