Happy New Year... Rest Is Best

Happy New Year

Take this time to evaluate 2017. Some things worked and other things didn't. Before turning the page to 2018 look at ways to solve your mistakes. Learn from these mistakes. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day.

Some coaches overlook rest as being a valuable tool. 
 

How to Take a Break

A shutdown period allows the body to recuperate from the grind. The challenge for coaches and athletes is figuring out the best way to take breaks without disrupting games or practice days. Obvious breaks like the holidays and off-seasons are the true times to focus on.

One of the most effective ways to take a break is to set a period for which the break will last before you begin. It may be a couple of days, a week, or a month, depending on what time of the season it is. Once that period is established, fully commit to it. Be sure that it's long enough that you feel fully rested and restored before coming back.

During this period, focus your attention on other aspects of your life. It may be a project you've been meaning to get to, family time, or another hobby that you've wanted to try. These extracurricular activities will keep you engaged and feeling productive, and preparing or training for your primary sport gets pushed a little further down the list.

 

 

Why You Should Take a Break

In the past, it was hard for most coaches to admit that their teams or athletes need a break or agree that it's an important part of their overall training. However, the rigors of personal and family life, along with training, can be a lot to balance and may take a toll both physically and mentally.

Allow yourself to shake up that routine, and watch your stress level dramatically decrease. Not only does taking a break help to relieve stress, but it can also help you maintain motivation and focus for the training ahead. It's hard, no matter what level you're at, to continually maintain the level of focus and commitment needed to train at your best.

The NHL is showing the same concept in the morning pre-game skates, where many teams are now doing optional skates, only allowing players that want to go on the ice. Some even give full mandatory mornings off. Rest and breaks are better ways to get the most out of an athlete.

A break allows you the time to look objectively at what's important to you and to remind you why you're training. These breaks are also the perfect opportunity to evaluate your current plan and set goals for the future. This is the time to analyze past workouts and game performances and to set appropriate goals. It can be hard to plan when your entire focus is on practices and games. Step back to rest, evaluate, and plan to reach your goals.

Don't be afraid of some mental down time. It's important that every coach and athlete, no matter your sport, take time to focus on other things. The life of a coach and an athlete is full of many challenges, and giving yourself the time to rest and reflect is one of the most important things you can do to contribute to your overall success.

 

Coach This Way

 

Robb Tallas
CoachThem