Don't Be Late to Practice!

One of my athletes recently told me that her racing thoughts and busy mind were leading to nights of poor sleep and recovery. Did I send that email I needed to? I think I forgot to flip the laundry. How am I going to get this work project done and get my training in?? Most of us can relate to this “noise” of to-dos, questions, and anxieties, whether or not it’s impacting your sleep.

This athlete has her sleep hygiene dialed in: no caffeine intake after noon, black-out curtains, white noise machine, ear plugs, does her best to put down devices an hour or so before bed. With those boxes checked, I recommended that she try some meditation or mindfulness to help quiet her mind at night.

Some form of intentional and focused introspection (whether or not you call it meditation) can have positive impacts ranging from improved sleep to reduced anxiety and improvement in some health markers. Cyclists, F-1 drivers, NFL, NBA, MLB and other high-level athletes have touted the benefits of meditation for years. Many attribute improvements in performance and focus to meditation, and include it as an important part of their pre-event preparation.

Whether you’re familiar with meditation or totally new to it, below are some resources to help you learn more. Don’t get hung up on “cultivating a practice of mindfulness,” and remember that you’re not setting out to crush a meditation session! There’s no finish line nor Strava segment to target. Spend some time clicking through the links below, and see what elements of meditation and mindfulness you might be able to work into your life, on and off the bike.

Explore more:

Read: 4 Reasons Every Athlete Should Meditate

Watch: All it takes is 10 mindful minutes | Andy Puddicombe (TED Talk)

Listen: Tim Ferris talks with George Mumford, Mindfulness Coach to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant