Managing Pressure, but Feeling the Weight

You’re functioning and pushing through, but mental stress may be building under the surface. This is common for driven athletes—and it’s a sign to be more intentional with mental recovery.

What This Means

  • You feel pressure regularly

  • Stress lingers after performances

  • You may ignore mental fatigue to keep going

Skills to Add or Strengthen

  1. Guided Mindfulness (5 minutes a day)
    Use a short guided meditation focused on breathing or body awareness—especially before bed.

  2. Music as Regulation
    Create two playlists:

    • One for calming down (slow, familiar songs)

    • One for motivation (energizing, confidence-boosting)
      Use them intentionally, not passively.

  3. Name It, Don’t Suppress It
    When stress shows up, label it (“I’m anxious,” “I’m overwhelmed”) without judgment. Naming emotions reduces their intensity.