Five Things for Student-Athlete Survival

Five Things for Student Athlete Survival:

For my time as an athlete, five things that helped me balance my sport, schoolwork, and social life are listed below. These things helped minimize missed assignments, sickness, procrastination, and poor performance.

1. HydroFlask

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The more you drink, the better your performance. You need to be drinking even more water than you would think (and typically drink) to make up for the amount of fluids you are losing. The moment you're thirsty, it is too late to regain the fluid for upcoming performance. This resusable water bottle helps encourage me to drink more water and keep it at a cool temperature. Hydroflask is one of the most popular brands, but anything should do.  

2. Planner

Time management is your best friend. Balancing school work and your sport is nearly impossible if you do not write down all assignments, tests, and quizzes that are due this week. It is also a place to keep track of meetings and film sessions so you don't miss anything. I linked a planner that I use from Target, but anything you can find works just as well. 

3. Ice Bath

Your body is going to be exhausted and sore in ways you never thought were possible. An icebath after training is a great way to stay fresh and rid your soreness.

4. Snacks

One word and one world only: SNACKS. A typical workout/practice as a soccer player burns from 600-1000 calories a practice. If you're hungry, you need to eat. I stick to high protein snacks that keep me full for longer until I get a full meal after class. I keep these P3's in my school backpack so my stomach doesn't growl during lecture. 

5. Sleep

The best thing you can do for yourself is SLEEP. Don't stay up in early hours of the morning searching the deep depths of YouTube when you have seven a.m weights that morning. Be smart. If you have trouble sleeping, (like me) I use a weighted blanket to help with my insomnia.