Student-athletes often get caught up in the pressure of performing to a certain standard in the classroom and their selected sport. As a former athlete, I wanted to provide a series of tools to help ease the stressors of getting through the daily grind of being an athlete.

One of the biggest issues I see and have experienced is needing the proper BALANCE.

The key to athletic success is having balance in life. Being a student-athlete is more challenging than one may think and can often feel like a full-time job. I understand how demanding things can get when trying to be the best teammate and student.

Sometimes it's hard to juggle family, friends, early morning workouts, school work, traveling to away games and personal time for yourself. However, with certain tools, it can make things much easier.

The first tool for finding the right balance is sleep. I can’t tell you how often I had to drag myself to class and practice without energy, it’s not a great feeling Sleep increases an athlete's reaction time, helps with proper decision-making and enhances stability. With all the tasks a student-athlete has to manage, the right amount of sleep can make a difference in their day.

Next is having a plan or schedule for yourself. It may seem easy to keep in your mind, but writing down your schedule will help. If you have morning workouts, then be sure to set a time to unwind. Sometimes we get caught up in our everyday routine and never set a moment aside to relax our mind and body.

Striving to be the best is nothing I would ever look down on because I have that same drive, but you’re nothing without a little rest and recovery.

With that being said, another key tool for a balanced life is setting time aside to relax. Hang out with friends and spend time with family. They’re the people in the crowd cheering you on, so always prioritize sharing your time with them. When those days of being a student-athlete end, you’ll appreciate those memoirs you made with your family and friends.

Throughout my life of playing sports, the biggest thing I struggled with was living and breathing nothing but basketball. There’s nothing wrong with loving your sport, but similar to anything else, it’s always great to get a break.

When you walk out of the gym, off the court or field, release the stress of being a student-athlete and be yourself. Stepping away is a time to focus on your mental, which can help you develop as a person. Put those pressures aside of being a high athletic performer. Use your personal time to remember why you do it and replenish your passion and love for the sport.

Achieving balance in your daily life is possible, even if you participate in sports. However, it is your responsibility not to overwork yourself and set aside time for other things that benefit your life.