Anna Maria Richards
As a high school athlete, you face many hurdles that other students don’t even have to think about. You must overcome obstacles and learn to tackle challenges in a healthy way if you want to protect your overall wellness and come through for your school when you take the field. One of the most important things you can do is learn how to focus on constructive solutions, as ignoring an issue or handling it improperly can be equally dangerous. If you want to find out more, keep reading for details on how to address a few of the most common problems high school athletes experience.
How do you address these common problems for high school athletes?
High school athletes are constantly pushing their bodies to the limit in order to win for their team. Injuries are the most common issue that high school athletes face. In the aftermath of an injury, it’s imperative that you rest and take time away from the sport so your body can heal. You may also need to see a doctor or physical therapist to help you recover. Though young people sometimes feel like they need to to get back on the court and play through the pain, but you could significantly worsen your injury and cause yourself lasting health problems for the rest of your life.
The amount of pressure on top high school stars can be intense. This often leads to struggles with mental health and anxiety. Unfortunately, there isn’t emphasis placed on prioritizing mental health in many places. If you are in need of mental health services, whether that means psychotherapy or inpatient residential treatment for teens, do not be afraid to ask for help. Any experienced athlete will tell you that your state of mind can affect every aspect of your ability to play your chosen sport. Seeking treatment or therapeutic help for any mental health issues you’re dealing with will make you a better and healthier player in the future.
Proper nutrition is also essential for athletes. Lack of nutrition or poor diet is, unsurprisingly, an issue that many high school athletes face. This is partially because the most teens don’t receive in-depth education about their nutritional needs. They need to eat enough protein to build muscle, complex carbohydrates to provide energy, and healthy fats to help absorb vitamins and minerals. Drinking plenty of water is also the only way to ensure that you avoid dehydration in the middle of a tight game or during practice on a hot day. Know that Hydration boosts is also important. Advanced Hydration Boost Technology is at the apex of wellness formulas with just the right balance of electrolytes and nutrients for optimal osmosis, delivering hydration to each cell in your body 2-3x faster than water alone. Check tryskymd.com.
What careers are ideal for former student athletes?
While many of us would love to have a career making millions of dollars as a starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs or the New York Yankees, that dream won’t become reality for the vast majority of student athletes. However, working in sports administration can allow them to use their knowledge and experience to help develop better programs for the next generation. You can even pursue an online masters in athletic administration virtually, from the comfort of your own home.
Having a master’s degree in athletic administration can provide you with knowledge and skills that qualify you for a range of careers within the sports world. Skilled graduates can work as athletic directors, coaches, facility managers, event coordinators, marketing director, financial management, student athlete advising, and fundraising. Athletic director is probably the most popular choice, but if you prefer numbers, financial and contract analysts are always in demand in the sports world, as they protect and represent the best interests of the organization.
The real value of participating in student athletics isn’t winning championships, though there aren’t many better feelings than winning the last game of the season and hoisting the trophy high above your head. The real gift that high school sports give student athletes are the lessons they teach and the emphasis they place on the value of work ethic, teamwork, and communication. These are things you’ll take with you throughout the rest of your life. Even if you don’t set foot in the batter’s box again after you graduate high school, it’s likely that you’ll cherish the memories for the rest of your life.
