The Importance of Emotional Hygiene in Athletes

In one of my favorite books, "The Upside of Uncertainty," written by Nathan Furr, the topic of emotional hygiene is covered, which refers to the active care and maintenance of a person's mental and emotional health with the aim of being ready to face challenges and seize opportunities that life presents. Furr highlights how emotional hygiene not only involves recognizing and understanding our emotions but also developing effective strategies to manage them.

Looking back on my career as a student athlete, I regret not having been able to learn about the term emotional hygiene as it could have been an important tool during my experience. In the context of the student athlete, emotional hygiene involves recognizing, understanding, and effectively managing emotions to promote optimal athletic and academic performance alongside general well-being.

Recognizing Emotions:

When a student athlete competes, regardless of the athletic level, the experience is filled with intense emotions, from pre-competition nervousness to disappointment after a defeat. Recognizing and accepting these emotions is fundamental for the emotional well-being and athletic performance of athletes.

Delving into the real example mentioned above; it is essential to recognize pre-competition anxiety as a natural emotional response. Instead of ignoring or repressing this anxiety, it is crucial to recognize it as a natural emotional response to the impending challenge. By doing this, athletes can begin to understand and better manage their emotions, allowing them to channel that nervous energy into a positive and productive focus.

Something that happened to me during my time as a high-performance athlete was the fact of repressing or ignoring my emotions before the game, which generated a negative effect on my athletic performance. I learned that emotional repression not only affected my athletic performance at the moment but it can also lead to long-term accumulation of stress and anxiety, which can have detrimental effects on the general well-being of the individual.

There are various strategies that can help athletes manage their emotions more effectively and constructively, such as:

a. One of these strategies is the practice of mindfulness, which involves paying conscious attention to the present moment without judgment. Athletes can use mindfulness to cultivate awareness of their thoughts and emotions in the present moment, allowing them to recognize and manage stress and anxiety more effectively before, during, and after competition.

b. Another useful technique is the use of breathing techniques, such as deep and conscious breathing. Breathing is a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety, as it can help calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. Athletes can incorporate breathing practices into their daily training routine, as well as at key moments before competition, to help maintain calm and mental clarity.

c. Likewise, pre-competitive routines that include relaxation and visualization practices can be beneficial for athletes. I recently saw an interview between Anthony Gordon - Newcastle player - with Gary Neville - journalist and former Man U player - where Gordon explains the importance of positive visualization before his games. By practicing these techniques regularly, athletes can train their minds and bodies to respond more effectively to the stress and pressure of competition, maximizing their performance and emotional well-being.

Resilience and Adaptability:

By maintaining a balanced emotional health, athletes are better prepared to handle failure and adversity with a positive mindset. For example, when an athlete experiences defeat, good emotional hygiene allows them to reflect on the experience, learn from it, and move forward with determination instead of being discouraged.

The fundamental idea is that emotionally healthy athletes are better able to recover from setbacks and adapt to changing situations. By having a solid emotional foundation, they can face challenges with confidence, adapting to circumstances and seeking creative solutions to overcome obstacles. This emotional resilience allows them to stay focused on their goals despite difficulties, which in turn contributes to their success in sports and in life in general.

The importance of cultivating an optimal mental state to achieve maximum performance in sports cannot be underestimated. Athletes who maintain balanced emotional health are able to face challenges with confidence and determination, allowing them to reach their full potential.

By paying attention to their mental and emotional health, athletes can improve their ability to face challenges, maintain focus, and reach their full potential in sports. It is vital for athletes to take advantage of the resources available at their university and in the sports program to seek psychological support when necessary. Universities often offer counseling and emotional support services, where athletes can receive professional guidance and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional concerns. By using these resources, athletes can develop effective coping skills and strengthen their emotional health, contributing to their success in both sports and life in general.

Our company urges all student athletes to prioritize their emotional well-being and seek support when needed, without shame in raising their hand. Remember that taking care of our mental health is as important as taking care of our physical body. By making emotional self-care a central part of our athletic preparation, we can build a solid foundation for optimal performance and a balanced and satisfying life, and therefore a better experience as a student athlete.

Finally, if you are a student or athlete who does not have access to resources within your program or institution, or for any other reason has not been able to seek support, do not hesitate to contact us through any of our communication channels, and we will assist you.