Everybody experiences various difficulties in their everyday lives but, as a professional rugby player, you could find yourself in stressful situations more often than most. You likely follow a strict training regime and there is a lot of pressure on you when playing matches.
Additionally, you need to balance the stress of your professional playing career with your family commitments and your financial situation, and this can be challenging. Fortunately, there are habits and techniques you can use to stop anxiety from taking over.
Furthermore, it is International Stress Awareness Week from 4 to 8 November, a campaign designed to put a spotlight on the effect that stress and anxiety can have on our mental wellbeing. So, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to think about your relationship with stress, and put mechanisms in place that protect your health.
Read on to learn four effective ways to manage stress as a professional athlete.
1. Establish a detailed routine
As a professional rugby player, you likely have a busy schedule that could include training, playing, and public appearances. You may have family responsibilities and social engagements to attend, too.
Consequently, without a clear routine in place, your life could be overwhelming, and you might feel a lack of control. Ultimately, this can lead to increased stress levels. Fortunately, creating a routine could help you in several ways.
Firstly, it gives you back a sense of control, even when you are very busy. Your routine also ensures that you set aside time for relaxing, engaging in hobbies, or socialising. Having this downtime is crucial if you want to improve your mental wellbeing.
Planning your day carefully may also make it easier to keep up with other practices that help to manage anxiety. For example, you may have more time to spend with family or pursuing other projects outside of rugby.
Additionally, you might find that you have a better sleep routine if you go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, and this is very important. More on this next.
2. Make sure you get enough sleep
Lack of sleep can have a significant effect on your stress levels and overall mental health.
For example, a study conducted by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention investigated the effects of poor sleep. Researchers found that participants who slept for less than six hours a night were 2.5 times more likely to experience regular mental distress than those who slept for more than six hours.
Additionally, sleep is important for physical recovery, so it is crucial if you are a professional athlete.
There are several ways you could improve your sleep routine including:
- Going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day
- Reducing screentime before going to bed
- Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol
- Not eating late at night.
If you experience regular problems with sleeping and these methods do not help, you may need to seek advice from a doctor.
3. Consider practising mindfulness techniques
Mindfulness techniques such as meditation could help you manage your stress levels while also developing the focus you rely on as an athlete. This is because meditation teaches you to remain in the present moment without letting anxieties take over.
According to Science Direct, 25 out of 34 studies found that regular mindfulness practices caused a significant decrease in stress levels among new college students. This demonstrates how mindfulness could support you during significant life events, such as moving to a new team or playing a crucial match.
As such, you may want to consider incorporating meditation into your daily routine. There are many useful online resources to help you do this, including apps that offer guided meditations and courses.
4. Ask for help when you need it
Sometimes, you need the support of others to navigate life and manage your stress levels, and it is important that you ask for help, when necessary.
For example, sports psychologists and coaches may help you develop the right mindset for competitive rugby. They could also teach you certain coping mechanisms to handle the stress of competition, and relax and unwind after a long training session or a tough match.
You could seek support in other areas of your life too. Your family, for instance, can be a valuable lifeline when you are feeling overwhelmed. By sharing concerns with them and discussing solutions, you might be able to find more effective ways to manage your mental health.
Additionally, if you feel stressed about your financial situation, you might consider professional advice. We can support you in all areas of your financial plan so you can prevent worries about your wealth and begin preparing for your future.
Get in touch
If you want to avoid stress about your financial situation, then we can help.
Please do get in touch with us at DBL Asset Management by emailing enquiries@dbl-am.com or calling 01625 529 499 to speak to us.
Please note
This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
