Time Management
Taking it day by day.
Time management is truly one of the hardest things to maintain, even if you are not an athlete. Below are some things you can do to create better time management and what you should do with that time.
Planning
Planning is one of the most important things to do as a student-athlete. Wake up, eat, go to school, practice, eat, sleep, and repeat. That seems to be all you have time for, but I assure you there is a better way to live.
In the few minutes that seem meaningless, write down a to-do list in a planner or write down important events in a calendar. Start with something easy and go from there. Some days, you may have too much going on, and that is okay. Remember that you have someone in your life to help you when things get stressful like a parent, guardian, friend, teacher, or coach. Having these things in your head makes you feel that you have too many things to add anything else to your day, but with it all written down, it seems much smaller.
Eating Regularly
Many athletes do not eat breakfast. It is one of the most important meals of the day for a reason. Breakfast fuels you for the first half of the day, giving you the energy to get past morning practice, classes, and keeps you in a better mood. People who have a
healthy diet give them a reduced chance of getting chronic diseases and live longer. Athletes who take nutrition advice with a grain of salt tend not to achieve their full potential. They actually break down their muscles instead of building muscle. To fuel your body before exercising, you should have a balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
Studying
One of the first things coaches say to their athletes is that they are
student-athletes: students before athletes. You should always put school before your sport. Most people ignore it, but it is the truth. Instead of being on your phone during homeroom, you could complete your homework, study, and check your email. Or, when having morning practice, take advantage of your time after school.
Mental Health
Imagine how freeing it feels not to have your mind hold you back.
Although negative mental health can be very damaging, I've listed some things you can do to preserve a positive mental state.
Surrounding Yourself with Like-Minded People
Surrounding yourself with people with the same interests and goals is the best thing you can do. You can talk through things on a different level than anyone else. The support and friendships you gain through sports will be the greatest encouragement you will receive. Finding like-minded people doesn't have to mean meeting through sports, but finding people who live to be kind, supportive, and encourage you and your dreams.
Creating Goals
Creating goals is an essential part of life. Always work towards something because that will give you the motivation you need to continue and work through your problems. Find love in everything you do. Your goal doesn't have to be crazy, almost unattainable, but simple and easy. You can work up to goals as you go, and with that kind of determination, you will reach them.
Find Time for Yourself
As important as it is to spend time with family and friends, you need to put yourself first. Sometimes, you need a break from everything going on.
Instead of scrolling on social media, creating healthy habits and hobbies is a smart and productive way to find time for yourself. You could find a book that interests you,
listen to your favorite music, learn new skills, clean your room, find healthy new recipes, and more. It could also be as simple as taking a short nap to recharge from the long day.
A Balanced Life
In closing, there is a way to balance the intimidating life of a student-athlete. It may seem nearly impossible, but following these tips could help you
become a better student and athlete.