If you’re an athlete, you’re probably dealing with extra pressure on top of the typical stress and challenges of high school. That makes sense. High school sports require a big chunk of your time, and they often come with expectations about your performance and future plans. If balancing athletics and your regular life feels hard or overwhelming, you are not alone and there are things you can do to relieve that pressure.

Pay Attention to Your Sleep and Other Basic Needs

Juggling schoolwork, practices, and games while still having time for yourself may mean you’re skimping on sleep. That can have a huge effect on your mood and mental health. It may sound hard, but your body and mind need eight to 10 hours of sleep to function at their best. Making sleep a priority can make a big difference in your day-to-day mood and ability to cope. Here are
three ways to do it:

• Set a bedtime that allows you to get enough sleep and stick to it.
• Put your devices away at least a half hour (and preferably a full hour) before bedtime. Charge them overnight in a central household spot, not in your bedroom.
• Silence notifications on your phone so they don’t wake you up. Your body and mind also need rest and recovery after workouts, practices, and games. If you don’t give yourself enough time to recharge, you’ll feel depleted and less able to cope with setbacks and perform at your best. Build in some downtime during which you’re not focused on being productive, whether it’s hanging out with friends, watching a TV show, or going for a relaxed walk.