The Importance of Holistic Health for Athletes
Adolescent athletes face a unique set of challenges when it comes to maintaining their overall health and wellness. As young people, they are still developing physically and mentally, and the demands of sport can be taxing. In order to prevent injury, burnout, or other negative effects on their wellbeing, a focus on holistic health is essential for adolescent athletes.
Holistic health is the concept of treating the whole person – physical, social + emotional, and mental. For adolescent athletes, this means addressing not just their physical fitness, but also their ability to manage stress, build community, and have a positive outlook on life. By prioritizing holistic health, athletes can maximize their potential both on and off the field.
When it comes to physical health, most athletes are familiar with the basics. They know the importance of working out, stretching, and eating a balanced diet. Also important, however, are other aspects of physical health such as rest and self-care. An adequate amount of rest, both in the form of sleep and time off, will help prevent injury and burnout. Self care is the act of practicing good hygiene, as well as other routines that benefit your body such as skin care and spending time in the sun.
The second aspect of holistic health is mental health. In the post-pandemic world, mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, are more common than ever. For athletes, poor mental health can have a significant impact on athletic performance. When athletes are struggling they may have difficulty focusing, experience decreased motivation, and struggle to manage stress of both their sport and everyday life. Implementing positive mental health practices, such as journaling or talking to someone they trust, can help athletes perform at their best – both on and off the field.
The third aspect of a holistic mindset is social and emotional health. Adolescent athletes often face unique social pressures, such as fitting in with their peers and balancing athletic commitments with schoolwork and other responsibilities. These pressures can add stress to their lives and make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Prioritizing community and strong relationships within a team will help athletes to feel understood and supported. This improved team cohesion will result in better communication and overall performance.
The bottom line is this: holistic health is essential for adolescent athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field. By prioritizing physical, social + emotional, and mental health, athletes can learn the skills they need to manage stress, build strong relationships, and perform at their best. When athletes are able to maintain their holistic health, they are more likely to achieve their athletic goals and feel confident and empowered in all aspects of their lives.
Getting started can be the hardest part, Luckily, we’ve made it easy. Just a Click away!
Fill out this contact form for a FREE video on what specifically you will be learning inside of Push the Goal.
DISCLAIMER: We are offering personalized coaching for the extremely determined only! With that being said, do you have the courage to become the best that you can be?