If you've watched the Olympics this summer, you've definetely been able to take away the importance mental health has on an athlete's performance. Here are 4 lessons Olympic athletes have taught us, and how you can implement better mental health practices in your life to be a better athlete:
Lesson 1 - Simone Biles (Gymnastics): The importance of therapy.
Since Tokyo 2020, Biles has been no stranger to therapy. She has incorporated therapy sessions into her weekly routine since 2020, and even finds time to see her therapist just hours before major competitions. She constantly preaches the evolution that therapy has had on her psyche.
Lesson 2 - Caleb Dressel (Swimming): It's okay to take a break.
7-time Olympic medalist Caleb Dressel stepped away from swimming for nearly 9 months in 2022. After coming back to the sport, he deemed his mental health break "a necessity" in order to keep going. Sometimes stepping back and focusing on your mental health first is the smartest technique for long-term success.
Lesson 3 - Ilona Maher (Women's Rugby): Struggling mentally does NOT take away from who you are.
Maher stated that she always wanted to be "indestructable". She never wanted to appear weak by admitting she struggled mentally. After overcoming her own mental health challanges, she strongly believes that they have made her stronger as a person and an athlete. Admitting that you are struggling does not make you weak.
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