MENTAL REST, NOT JUST PHYSICAL RECOVERY
Burnout isn’t just physical. Mental fatigue can tank performance, confidence, and enjoyment.
Mental rest strategies:
Take scheduled breaks from sport, especially during off-season
Practice mindfulness and unplug from technology
Build in unstructured free time for hobbies and fun
Check in with your athlete about how they’re feeling mentally, not just physically
Coaches should plan deload weeks and mental wellness check-ins as part of long-term athlete development. A rested mind is a sharper, more resilient one.