Stress can be unhealthy both physically and mentally. Along with headaches, decreased immunity, and stomach upset, stress can also affect your sleep patterns. As a cheerleader you’re active and super busy. Lack of sleep might affect your performance on the mat as well as in the classroom. Along with sleep deprivation, stress can cause additional anxiety, depression, anger or forgetfulness. To be a well-balanced athlete you need to not only maintain a healthy body, but a healthy mind as well.
In your busy schedule, there’s no room for negativity. Remember to take the time to relax. Don’t get me wrong, you must first honor all of your commitments and of course complete all of your assignments, but you also need to leave time to focus on you.
Here are 3 easy (and cheap) ways to lower your stress:
1. Pamper yourself.
Take out that awesome new nail polish you never got a chance to try out and give yourself a Mani Pedi. Not only will it keep your mind off your other obligations, but it will add finality to your fall look!
2. Escape with a good book.
This is a modern re-telling of "Sleeping Beauty."
With all of the required reading you have to do for school, you might be reluctant to open up a book in your spare time. A novel can act as a portal into a whole new world. With the amount of literature out there, you can leave your worries behind and enhance your imagination with a book about a far away land. (Check out these fairy tale novels for teens by Regina Doman)
3. Catch some Z’s.
Early commitments and late night practices make it hard to achieve your nightly eight hours of sleep. Use some of your precious spare time to catch up on some much-needed sleep. Taking a nap can leave you refreshed and give your body the chance to relax. Snuggle up in your blankets and put your mind at ease.
Balancing school, practice, and whatever else you have on your plate can be difficult, but no one’s better than a cheerleader at keeping up their spirit when faced with life’s challenges.
Cheers, Jessica<3
About Jessica Pribush
2 responses so far ↓
Deonnah Oct 12, 2009 at 3:55 pm
O mi gosh! I am going through this as we speak. I was telling my mom early today how my once I finish one assignment there is another to be done. I havent tried any of the things you suggested but i will! Thanks for knowing what busy and active cheerleaders need to know and do! Keep up the good work!
Cheers!
Erika Nov 1, 2009 at 3:48 am
The end of this term is going to be so heckic with studying, homework, new cheers and my little social life! Right now I have 6 major assignaments due in 2 weeks! My brain is about to explode! This is definately going to help me! THANKYOU THANKKYOU THANKYOU!!!!
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