6 ways of preventing burnout in players

As we reach the end of the year, for many it is a chance to take a break and reflect on a busy 12 months and set some goals for the year ahead.

 

It is important to take time to take stock of how we feel as individuals, how we have performed and whether we have achieved what we set out to this time last year.

 

But it is also important to consider our players. What pressures are they under, both physically and mentally? Are we asking too much of them? Are they asking too much of themselves?

 

Burnout among athletes not only poses a risk of injury and illness but also mental fatigue, which can cause them to fall out of love with the game, and even walk away forever. 

 

As a mom of two high-school-age athletes, a former collegiate athlete and a wellbeing, burnout and leadership researcher, here are six things I do to protect my daughters’ wellbeing and try to prevent burnout...

 

01 We prioritize sleep

Sleep quality has been linked to everything from teen mental health and athlete injury rates to classroom performance. Phones get charged in the hallway at 9pm.

 

02 we don’t demand things of them

There is no pressure on them to play at college level. I don’t win parent of the year if they play D1. 

 

Playing at college level is 100% their choice and we encourage them to pick a school and program they love, at any division level.

 

03 we let them calm down after games

We do not talk about games right after the final whistle. If I want to share my thoughts about their effort (and I can’t help it sometimes), we talk after they have refuelled and emotions have levelled out.

 

04 WE TALK ABOUT THEIR PERSONAL IDENTITIES

To many, they may be seen first as soccer and volleyball players. But we encourage them to join clubs, have jobs, try other sports at school and spend time with friends.

They have a variety of ways to build confidence and make them feel a complete person.

 

05 We make sure they have time off

Both my daughters play a primary sport that can be played all year round and requires travel. 

 

I pay attention to how loaded up they are. We don’t pack off-weekends with training sessions. 

 

I intentionally plan fun vacations at the end of a busy sports season to give us all time to decompress.

 

06 We talk about leadership

We also talk about being a good team-mate, including how to handle challenging situations with other players and their coaches.

 

They get to open up about what is on their mind, I get to pass along tips about leadership and, hopefully, they contribute to the team environment in a positive way because of this.