In the world of sports, we tend to focus on physical strength, skill, and performance. Athletes are often celebrated for their physical talents, and the mental strength required to achieve these successes may be overlooked. At Blend, we believe that mental health coaching is what separates athletes who fail to reach their ceilings from athletes who break through and surpass their ceilings on the way to greatness.
Just like physical training, mental health training is essential to achieving peak performance and overall well-being. In recent years, mental health awareness has really grown and provided more resources for people.
Historically, the focus of sports training has been on the physical—building strength, improving skill, getting proper nutrition, and preventing injury. While these are important parts of athletic training, self-care is often ignored. This can cause feelings of stress and anxiety to build, affecting not only your physical performance but also other aspects of life. If this neglect continues, it can ultimately lead to burnout, leaving athletes mentally and physically drained.
Self-care is essential for every athlete. Prioritizing yourself and your mind gives you the ability to engage with your sport in a healthy way. Taking time to rest, engage in activities you enjoy, and stay connected with family and friends can help you maintain good mental health and overall wellness. Healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and practicing relaxation techniques can help you manage stress and lead to better performance.
Establishing a relationship with a sports mental health coach is a resource that can make an invaluable difference in an athlete’s mental health. These coaches are specially trained professionals who help athletes dive deep into their education and awareness of mental health while developing mental skills to improve performance and manage stress in all aspects of life.
Our mental health coaches at Blend provide one-on-one session packages, small group session packages, large group/organizational work, and keynote speaking. Our curriculum has four phases:
We customize our training plans to your unique needs and goals. Blend offers this mental performance support both in person and virtually, allowing for nationwide access to our services.
Some of the resources we share at Blend include information on mental health apps and hotlines.
In today’s digital age, athletes can access mental health resources immediately through apps specifically designed to help with stress management, anxiety reduction, and focus improvement. Headspace and Calm are two apps that help athletes relax and regain mental clarity through guided meditation and mindfulness exercises.
For those in need of immediate mental health support, athletes can access confidential hotlines free of charge. These hotlines are staffed with mental health professionals trained to listen and provide guidance during moments of crisis. They are a great option if you do not feel comfortable speaking with coaches, family members, or friends. Here are a few hotlines that Blend recommends for crisis support:
As our society continues to break the stigma and normalize discussions around mental health and wellness, we empower athletes to take control of their mental health and unlock their full potential, both athletically and personally.
The many mental health resources for athletes available today ensure that no one has to navigate these challenges alone. At Blend, our team is here to support you.
Reach out to us today to begin your journey toward mental wellness that enhances your physical talents.
