How Athletes Can Mentally Cope with Physical Decline

As athletes and as humans our bodies will inevitability change as we age. While we may not have control over our physical and biological aging, we can absolutely continue to grow, evolve, and improve mentally and spiritually.

For athletes, as we begin to lose that physical finesse of our peak performance days—whether from injury, age, or a combination—it can make us question our identity or our purpose. The body was the focal point for so many years. It’s what we’re known for and it’s also how many of us judge how well we’re doing in life. So, when the decline becomes apparent, it can be incredibly difficult to accept.

Without my body’s gifts, who I am?

In looking for purpose, I think the absolute best step we can take is to develop our spirituality.

“Decline of physical competence in old age is an inevitability. Within an individual lifetime, however, the human spirit may evolve dramatically.”

– M. Scott Peck, M.D., “The Road Less Traveled”[1]

You are more than your body.

I believe that we are all souls and that souls are infinite. I believe in reincarnation. I believe in infinite energetic vibration and that you’re either on a higher vibration (i.e., growth mode/trusting) or on a lower vibration (i.e., survival mode/distrusting).

I also believe that opening the doors to spiritual growth can monumentally affect our mental wellness. Once we begin to get comfortable with our souls, we become less attached to our bodies. We can also hear ourselves better and improve our intuition.

I believe everyone holds the answers that they are seeking within themselves but that we’re often so attached to our physical place, that we lose the connection with who we really are at the soul level.

Just last week, I was really sad and exhausted. I had been feeling really drained, and I was having a hard time shaking it. I went on a quiet walk as I typically do each morning, with no music, phone calls, podcasts, etc. Just time with myself while I move my body.

It occurred to me that my body and my mind were tired and sad, but my soul actually felt wonderful. I began to realize that my soul needed to be put back in charge because the exhaustion of my physical body and mind were overshadowing my true peace. Still, I recognized that I needed rest and to reconnect each of these parts (i.e., mind, body, and soul). So, I did things like light my favorite incense, write about the things I was bottling up and meditate with soothing music.

I needed to create a space where I could respect my physical needs and allow my spirit to also be heard.

This is a monumental key for athletes struggling with mental wellness in making the transition to life after sports and developing their identities. The spiritual connection with one’s soul and all of the infinite universal energy allow us the opportunity to be who we really are.

A connection with one’s soul creates safety in the struggle.

Think about it. We all have obstacles and difficulties to overcome but there is always something to be learned. And, if life is about learning and growing, then the spirit is the key point in our personal evolution.

Keys to the game:

• Life is more than just the physical. Close your eyes and just be with your soul. Breathe deeply and see what surfaces.
• Seek out people, coaches, advisors, healers, therapists, books, workshops, etc. that can help you grow spiritually.
• When learning, keep in mind that you are always entitled to take what works for you, and leave the rest. Meaning that in a book or a workshop, you might align with one idea but not another, and that’s perfectly fine.

Would you like to improve your mental wellness and tap into your spiritual growth? Contact me about one-on-one VIP coaching.

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[1] The Road Less Traveled: a New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth, by Morgan Scott Peck, A Touchstone Book Published by Simon & Schuster, 1979, pp. 263–263.