I can’t help but imagine what life would be like without this repetitious and routine schedule surrounded by alarms. We are caged in by class schedules, practice, routines, and we are losing our minds over it.
As athletes we can find ourselves sacrificing everything and anything for the game. Being an athlete is far from easy and we don’t have to sacrifice our mental health but it is vital we learn how to cope with it.
A day in the life of an athlete.
Athletes sign a paper dedicating their life to a sport. Meaning you no longer own your time. Being an athlete is a job. You have to show up on time, with the right equipment, and do what is required of you.
Here is a good look at my weekly schedule on average. Just like any other job, your life becomes a routine.
5:25 AM- Wake up. My alarm goes off calling me out of bed and I get changed and go to weights.
6-7 AM- Weights. In weights we normally spend an hour doing multiple lifts.
7-9 AM-Get home, shower, breakfast. Hygiene and breakfast are very important parts of the day. After a quick shower, I usually cook some eggs and make toast. As an athlete, its really important to make time for meals.
9-10 AM- Temp check. Due to the pandemic, all athletes are required to get their temperature taken and a survey filled out by 10AM.
11-12:15 AM-Class. All of my classes are through zoom this year so it is easier to fit into my schedule.
12:30-3:30- Practice. In season, the NCAA gives teams a total number of hours they can mandate athletes to be present throughout the week. Right now, we are in 20- hour weeks meaning practice is usually 3 hours.
4-6 PM- Study Hall. Study Hall is a place for student athletes to get homework done and is required for most athletes but not all.
7- Shower, cook dinner, and do any house maintenance you need done.
What does this have to mental health?
When I got to college I remember thinking that I would never have problems with mental health and I never wanted to recognize the signs of the struggle like so many other athletes.
For as long as I can remember sports have been about who is tougher, stronger, and more determined. You finish what you start and push through.
With packed schedules, there is very little time for yourself and the constant unchanging routine makes life hard to socialize.
Not only does being an athlete cut into your social life, but your academic life as well. When you transition into college, trying to balance everything can be extremely hard. Your grades start to slip so they put you in study hall, then meetings, then you have even less time for your mental health and it feels the walls are closing in on you.
A busy schedule can impact a lot of the things that help bring you happiness when your stressed. You have to cut family time short, miss calls from close friends, you can’t even relax to take a shower half of the time.
What can I do?
Luckily, a lot of schools have great resources to help you cope with the schedule your dealing with.
One of the most important steps to take is asking for help and reaching out. One important resource I found was my coach.
Outside of coaches there is a counseling and testing center, your teammates, professors, family, and so many others to reach out to.
Not only are athletes deprived of multiple activities, they are deprived from their sleep.Both your body and your mind need recovery at night.
I stand behind pushing through and being tough. And as athletes this is what drives us to success. I did exactly that and I’m pursuing my dreams running at a division one level.
But sometimes you need help. And thats okay.
“I like communication best. Talking things through with my mom, my sisters, my friends let me know that my feelings are totally normal.”- Serena Williams
Hi Bri! This was a great insight into a day in the life of an athlete. Very informative, especially with the links. That's a fairly very tight schedule, which reminds me of what I've seen from the extras music students have to do. Reminds me of the military. Sleep and downtime become so precious. I'm glad you have respite and support through your coach and others. I believe you project strength by opening up about the difficulties involved and saying it is okay to ask for help when you need it. Good luck with everything!