Alabama A&M Athletics

WHAT IS STRESS … 

• -Stress is a state of mental and emotional tension caused by difficult situations
• -Can be caused by various factors such as work pressure, personal relationships 
• -Stress is a very common thing that everyone experiences 
• -Stress affects individuals differently

Symptoms
-Nervous feelings
-Emotionally on edge
-Feeling the "weight of the world" on your shoulder
-Loss of interest/Shutting Down
-Constant need of outside stimulation to feel good(drugs, alcohol, food etc.)

Stress in Student Athletes
-Student athletes have to balance demanding practice schedules all while focusing on their academic responsibilities.
-Performance anxiety can ead to a great deal of stress
-A moderate degree of stress an beneficial to athletes.
Athletes can use stress a tool for growth

Managing Your Stress 
-The goal is to not eliminate stress but to learn how to manage it when difficult situations arise.
-Focus n what you change.
-Make time outside of your sport to do some enjoyable activities (drawing,reading,hiking, etc.)
-Make short term goals.
-It's okay to take a break to gather thoughts.
-Have a strong support group
-Be kind to yourself