Managing My Inner Game
As a coach, I have come to realize that a number of my athletes rely on exercise to manage their mental health. I have asked the question...
If daily exercise is a requirement for your mental wellbeing then should we consider if extreme exercise is appropriate for your long-term health?
It's worth noting that I've yet to have a top athlete answer my question with a "yes, we should!" While my pals haven't answered this question, it's something that I've addressed with choices in my own life.
High-profile athletes, and coaches, can feel the urge to fly-the-flag for extreme exercise. Because of the prestige given to "winning," it takes courage to walk away from fame, winning or vanity => even when these things are unhealthy for our inner lives.
What calms my inner life and leaves me feeling satisfied?
My list:
An outdoor workout with 10-20 minutes of elevated HR
Time with my spouse
Picking up litter
Doing something that other people find too difficult
Helping other people
High-quality coffee or tea
My list reminds me that much of my spending is wasted.
In my life, the only thing that trumps exercise is sleep. I need to get my sleep AND I need to protect my sleep. I protect my sleep by:
Waking up each morning
No late naps, late nights, late coffees, late work sessions
Removing people and situations that cause me to lose sleep
I'm fortunate with the ups and downs of my moods - I don't have the extremes that follow some of my pals. My swings are moderated by a lifestyle that gives me frequent top-ups and helps me avoid spiraling downhill. I wrote about downhill triggers here,
It usually takes multiple injuries for an athlete to be open to considering their role in creating their life situation. More normal, is gratitude for a return to training. Be aware when you are in a rush to get back to the pattern, and mental habits, that hurt you.
It takes courage to change our approach.
Be brave.