Why Is An Athletes Wellbeing So Important

Wellbeing .... What does that actually mean?
Well ... we all may interpret it differently

Wellbeing to me is a life that has a sense of purpose, a soul that has freedom and a body with health and vitality.

And where does that fit in to the sports industry, achieving goals and a level of 'success'. and what to do when we end our careers

Drive determination and focus are key components on the path to success their importance is immeasurable, It's these components which sustain the success of an athlete but it is also these that, when employed for long periods of time can produce a detrimental effect on an athletes well being.

Its exhausting sustaining such a high level of enthusiasm, Imagine athletes as high performance cars, they move fast win races but even these cars need time to cool down and receive repairs.

There are always newer models being build designed to work harder, move faster and out perform current models.
You are working at your physical optimum level, training harder, and constantly perfecting your technique but another is still a head of you in the race. What if you are getting older and find yourself struggling to keep up with the others. And what if you are on top but others are nipping at your heels?

All these issues can produce high levels of anxiety, depression, frustration etc. Lets not forget the added pressures and expectations from your sponsors, management, fans. Although we can often receive valuable help from sports psychologists, therapist and other experienced individuals, How do we stop our overall well being from being effected during the moments of our everyday lives, How do we induce the feelings we had when we first tasted success, when the joy of the activity out weighed the need for a win. How do we find joy and happiness in the little things and stop the element of winning being the high (the drug) that keeps us happy.

Our mind is the strongest tool that we have in our arsenal and it takes true strength to utilize its incredible power. Although we can seek help from others..... ultimately it is down to ourselves.