Nowadays, every athlete knows the huge importance of recovery to have a good performance and obviously, recovery includes a lot of factors that are essential to consider. Some easy and clear examples are: sleep, nutrition and hydration. These three factors are fundamental for a good recovery, but they are basic and common to everyone. Currently, an athlete needs to pay attention and give importance to many more factors such as active recovery (yoga, pilates, mobility work, dynamic stretching), soft tissue work, recovery techniques, load management, periodization, professional support and the last one, but the most important is mental and emotional recovery.
Now anyone will think it is impossible to carry this large list of things perfectly. However, today’s competitive sport encompasses and demands all of these things. You truly don’t have to go to the elite like the NFL or a professional soccer game to witness it. The college student-athletes need to take care of themselves in the best way possible. It is true that there is not the same demand for a professional athlete as a student-athlete. However, believe me, as a student-athlete, that there is always going to be someone who prepares better than you and meets all of these factors to perform at a higher level. For all this, your number one is always to try to stand out and mix talent with discipline and effort.
Secondly, I want to emphasize the importance of mental and emotional recovery. It is the foundation that supports an athlete’s overall well-being and long-term success and can be achieved easily. Enjoying yourself with your family, friends and boyfriend/girlfriend could be the solution. Doing a walk, playing board games or video games, watching TV …. Etc.
In conclusion, it is important to give a huge importance to recovery for every athlete. Being a student-athlete keeps you busy with classes, training, jobs and assignments, but everyone should have a good organization of their schedules and find time for everything crucial for the achievement of great things.
