Hey there, my fellow hot messes athletes! Today I’m going to talk about a topic that’s near and dear to our disorganized, caffeine-fueled hearts: athlete burnout. As athletes, we’re all about pushing ourselves to the limit, but sometimes that can backfire and leave us feeling a little more not than hot. So, how do we avoid burnout and stay on top of our game? Let’s dive in!

First of all, let’s define what we mean by burnout. Burnout is when we feel physically and mentally exhausted, lose motivation for our sport, and struggle to perform at our best. It’s like hitting a wall – suddenly we can’t keep going, no matter how hard we try. It’s like the Kool-Aid Man in reverse.

Now, as hot messes, we might be used to feeling like we’re always running on empty. But when it comes to athletics, burnout is no laughing matter. It can derail our progress, potentially lead to injury, and make us feel like we’re failing at something we (used to) love.

So, what can we do to prevent burnout?

1. Prioritize self-care and rest: That means getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when we need them. I know, I know – taking breaks feels like the worst thing we can do for our athletic performance. We’re used to pushing ourselves to the brink of exhaustion and ignoring our own needs. Make sure that you have a scheduled “off” season, too. Taking breaks will help you recharge both mentally and physically and come back as an even stronger athlete.
2. Embrace imperfection: We tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be perfect. Perfection is impossible – and continually striving for it can lead to burnout. Recognize that mistakes and setbacks are a natural part of the process, and use them as opportunities to learn and grow. By taking the pressure off yourself, you can prevent burnout and experience more joy in your sport again.
3. Remember the big picture: Athletics are important, but they’re not everything. When you’re feeling stressed or burnt out, remind yourself of the big picture. Why do you love your sport? What are your goals? What do you hope to achieve? By focusing on the bigger picture, you can put your current struggles into perspective and avoid burning out.

The next time you feel like you’re about to hit a wall (and not the figurative “wall” that runners frequently speak of), take a break. Go for a walk, read a book, or just sit and stare into space for a while. Nature is cool – AND restorative!  Your body and mind will thank you, and you’ll be a better athlete (and less of a hot mess) for it. Remember, you’re not a machine – take care of yourself, and you can keep striving for those athletic goals!