Brown County High School

The Mental Game: The Untapped Strength of High School Athletes By Victor Moreno Morillo -- High school sports demand not only physical skill and strength, but also mental resilience. Just as athletes train their bodies, they must train their minds to be able to perform correctly and take the right decisions under the stress and pressure of the game. Athletes face numerous stress points, from performance anxiety to balancing academics and athletics. Recognizing and addressing these challenges becomes the key to building resilience. Some strategies for success in this area are: 1. Goal Setting and Visualization: Setting realistic goals as well as visualizing success boosts confidence and motivation. 2. Seeking Support: Open dialogue and support from coaches, teammates, and professionals can help you understand yourself and what you want better, thus improving motivation. 3. Mindfulness and Stress Management: Practices like meditation can help manage stress and enhance focus during high-pressure situations. 4. Prioritizing Self-Care: Rest, nutrition, and downtime are essential for recovery and maintaining optimal mental clarity. The last key point here is to learn to “Break the Stigma”. Promoting discussions about mental health empowers athletes to prioritize their well-being and to act true with themselves. You can read more about this topic in this website: https://local21news.com/news/local/high-school-athletes-say-the-culture-surrounding-mental-health-is-changing