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Sport can be great for your mental wellbeing. It can help you feel connected, energised and part of something bigger.
That support doesn't have to stop when training ends.
Maybe you're replaying something that happened in a game, or you're feeling nervous before training. Maybe you're tired, and your brain won't switch off, or there's stuff going on off the field that's making everything a little bit harder.
MOST is here to help for those moments in between sessions.
Next time you're feeling a little off, try this activity.
Notice what's going on
Start by checking in with yourself.
You might be feeling:
- nervous before a game
- frustrated after making a mistake
- flat after a tough loss
- overwhelmed by pressure from school, sport or just life
- stuck replaying something in your head
- worried about letting people down
Or unsure why you don't feel like yourself.
Try finishing this sentence: Right now I'm noticing...
Check what your body is telling you
Stress doesn't just happen in your thoughts. It can show up in your body too, as:.
- a tight chest
- fast breathing
- busy or racing mind
- feeling restless,
- being flat or checked out
- a heavy feeling in your stomach
Try asking yourself: What is my body telling me right now?
This can help you work out whether you need to rest, reset or get support.
<div id="quick-reset"></div>Try a quick reset
You can follow the written instructions below or watch the video.
You don't have to do it perfectly.
Paced breathing
Sit or lie down somewhere comfortable.
Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Breathe out slowly for 6 seconds.
Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Repeat 2-3 more times.
You could use paced breathing before a game, after training, when you're trying to sleep or even after a tough conversation.
Final thought
The moments in between training and games can be the hardest to deal with. You don't have to wait until things are really bad to support your mental health.
Checking in with yourself and slowing down can help you reset and keep going.
If you need more support, MOST is there to provide you with practical tools, expert guidance and real support for life, sport and everything in between.
Created in partnership with AFL PLAY.
That support doesn't have to stop when training ends.
Maybe you're replaying something that happened in a game, or you're feeling nervous before training. Maybe you're tired, and your brain won't switch off, or there's stuff going on off the field that's making everything a little bit harder.
MOST is here to help for those moments in between sessions.
Next time you're feeling a little off, try this activity.
Notice what's going on
Start by checking in with yourself.
You might be feeling:
- nervous before a game
- frustrated after making a mistake
- flat after a tough loss
- overwhelmed by pressure from school, sport or just life
- stuck replaying something in your head
- worried about letting people down
Or unsure why you don't feel like yourself.
Try finishing this sentence: Right now I'm noticing...
Check what your body is telling you
Stress doesn't just happen in your thoughts. It can show up in your body too, as:.
- a tight chest
- fast breathing
- busy or racing mind
- feeling restless,
- being flat or checked out
- a heavy feeling in your stomach
Try asking yourself: What is my body telling me right now?
This can help you work out whether you need to rest, reset or get support.
<div id="quick-reset"></div>Try a quick reset
You can follow the written instructions below or watch the video.
You don't have to do it perfectly.
Paced breathing
Sit or lie down somewhere comfortable.
Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Breathe out slowly for 6 seconds.
Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Repeat 2-3 more times.
You could use paced breathing before a game, after training, when you're trying to sleep or even after a tough conversation.
Final thought
The moments in between training and games can be the hardest to deal with. You don't have to wait until things are really bad to support your mental health.
Checking in with yourself and slowing down can help you reset and keep going.
If you need more support, MOST is there to provide you with practical tools, expert guidance and real support for life, sport and everything in between.
Created in partnership with AFL PLAY.