Student Athlete Tips

Co Editor- Rachel Gavin

As our school year is coming to an end, life can seem stressful trying to balance grades, sports, and a social life. Despite all of the craziness, it is important to make sure you are prioritizing yourself first. Here’s a few tips on how to keep yourself in check the rest of the school year…

Sleep

In order for an athlete to perform well, it is crucial that they get plenty of sleep. Being a student athlete, schedules can get particularly busy what with juggling school, practice, friends, chores, and all other commitments. Despite these factors, getting the right amount of sleep is proven to enhance both schoolwork and athletic performance. It is recommended to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, especially nights before games and tests.

Hydration

Athletes are encouraged to drink water before, during, and especially after practice. Hydration is important because it increases muscle function, regulates blood pressure, and it improves blood circulation throughout the body. These three factors can contribute to injury if their status is low. A good tip for hydration is to drink half of your body weight in ounces each day.

Eating Habits

As a student athlete, it is very important that you track what you are putting into your body. Eating unhealthy foods especially before a game, meet, or match can make you feel sluggish and will slow you down. It is important to eat foods in the correct portions that will be the most beneficial for your body. Food groups to focus on include lots of protein, carbs, (some) fats, and lots of fruits and veggies!

Organization & Time Management

When it comes to procrastination, many of us are guilty of this. The school week can get so busy that sometimes you forget about an assignment or two. Set a plan on specific days to sit down and do homework. Stick to this routine, and you won’t have to worry about cramming homework in at the last minute. Having a calendar app or planner can also help manage what homework you have and when it’s due.

Study Groups

Since we do go to a small school, many of us take the same classes. Setting up study groups before or after practice can be a great way to catch up on homework and ask any questions. This time set aside for study groups can also be beneficial for team bonding