Mental Health and its Effect on Athletic Performance
Injuries are a common occurrence in all sports. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 8.6 million sports-related injuries every year. [1] Psychological well-being plays a major role in the recovery process. Athletes who are already feeling the pressure to perform at a high-level face great mental challenges when they are injured. The body and the mind are closely connected.
Staying Optimistic
Those who remain optimistic during an injury heal much quicker than those who allow pessimism to prevail. Intense challenges in life can often cloud the mind. This is where maintaining a positive attitude is paramount. Find an inspirational quote and write it down somewhere. Look at it every day and repeat it out loud when feeling doubt.
Managing Expectations
Staying positive is definitely a key component of recovery, but so is maintaining realistic goals. Every athlete who gets injured wants to heal as quickly as possible so they can get back out on the field or the court. It’s okay to keep an eye on the big picture, but don’t look past the present. Healing takes time, patience, and determination. Pushing too hard too quickly can lead to an even longer recovery process. Stay focused on the moment.
Sources:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-mentally-come-back-from-a-sports-injury/
