Burnout is becoming increasingly common in most careers. Today, playing competitive sports comes with various challenges that can wear an individual down. Though mental health is being talked about more, the pressure to perform at their optimum is causing athlete burnout by the dozens.
In 2019, WHO formally recognized the condition as an occupational disease. Athletes are especially susceptible to it as they train too hard and don’t get enough rest.
That’s why we’ll discuss everything you should know about this topic. We’ll also discuss methods to prevent athlete burnout.
Keep reading to learn more.
Understand the Condition and Look Out for Warning Signs
The first thing you should know about preventing athlete burnout is understand what it entails. For years, mental health professionals have struggled in defining the disease based on the symptoms. A lot of individuals also seem to use it interchangeably with stress but the two are not alike.
While stress can be beneficial in some cases as it increases cognitive performance, nothing positive comes from burnout. That’s because it produces continuously high levels of cortisol.
Here are some signs to know if you’re experiencing athlete burnout:
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Getting sick more often
- Being in a low or depressed mood
- Concentration difficulties
- Fatigue
- Having issues falling or staying asleep
- High blood pressure
- Loss of interest
- Recurring headaches
- Self-esteem issues
Knowing these signs can help you recognize when you have burnout to get the help you need.
Listen to Your Body
Your body has some requirements that you should fulfill. This includes a full night’s rest, proper nutrition, etc. That’s why it’s important you eat your required calories, stay hydrated, and get a good night’s sleep. It’s also vital to eat more fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods, sweets, and dairy products.
Take a Break
In case you’re feeling symptoms of athlete burnout, it’s important to take a break and get some rest. Though it might be scary to take a break, having enough rest and being at peace is critical for your mental health. If you’re in the middle of a season and can’t take a break, the idea of some time away after it can help keep you going.
Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
If you can’t take a break for some reason, it’s imperative you separate your job from your time off. After each training session, find some time to rest and recover. Don’t train too long because muscle recovery is essential for your overall health and performance.
Are you an aspiring athlete looking for inspiration? Then look no further, I can help.
My name is Akwasi Frimpong, and I am an Olympic-level athlete from Ghana. I experienced many challenges and difficulties in my career, but I overcame them, represented Ghana at the Olympics, and won numerous medals. Now, I aim to serve as an athlete motivational speaker to help underdog athletes reach their goals.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube for more information.
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