Athletes often have a little time off training at this of year.
Do you struggle to take a rest period?
Do you have trouble motivating yourself after downtime?
If you struggle to take well-earned rest….
- Remind yourself that rest and recovery is essential for development and progression. Athletes need rest and recovery periods for their body and mind to function optimally. Rest and recovery periods help regulate emotions an behaviours as well as improving sleep and allowing a more complete physical repair.
- Remember that burn out will set you back. Relentless training leads to more illness, injury and physical and psychological tiredness. It can also lead to decreased ability to recognise physical and future psychological cues that the body needs a rest, thus making future illness and injury more likely and potentially more significant.
- Explore what you are missing when not taking time off and consider its value. Many athletes’ busy training schedules mean that they have little time for socialising, holidaying, and relaxing. Given balance is vital for a healthy lifestyle, taking time to do these things when able is essential for well-being. It also means athletes may feel more motivated to get through busy training loads when there is less time for these important things.
- When deliberating over a recommended rest period, consider the importance of the goals that lie ahead and make a wise decision.
If you struggle to get motivated after time off
- Set some small, achievable process goals for one week only, then review them. If you don’t achieve them, they were too big! Set some smaller ones for next week. If you do achieve them, set some slightly different ones for week 2.
If you need help allowing you self to take a rest period or getting motivated afterwards, please be in contact.