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Burnout syndrome in athletes

Burnout syndrome in athletes

Burnout syndrome (aka "Burn-out") can affect any sport. Here's how to identify, prevent, and treat sports burnout.

1. What is occupational burnout for athletes?

The first case recorded in the sports science literature in the 1980s, athlete burnout syndrome is defined as a state of exhaustion caused by excessive concentration on a particular sport for long periods of time. long while resting too little.

See also: Theragun helps you take care of your health and restore your body.

Common symptoms of this syndrome include:

  • No progression or decline in athletic performance
  • Chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating
  • Listless or irritable
  • Having an aversion or feeling depressed about an activity that was once enjoyed
  • Excessive anxiety or depression
  • Increased heart rate or blood pressure even at rest

You don't have to compete in a high-level sport to get burnout syndrome. This syndrome affects participants in all sports in general, including recreational sports.

According to recent research, athlete burnout is closely related to their perception of pressure to achieve high goals in a certain way. In other words, it is associated with perfectionism.

athlete
Source: Pixabay

2. The trap of perfectionism

One of the leading examples of this syndrome can be mentioned is when someone's hobby suddenly becomes their job. Sounds a bit paradoxical, doesn't it? But try to imagine that almost all of your time revolves around a certain task, repeating for a long time. There will come a time when you no longer love the job.

When athletes experience this syndrome, they become self-doubtful. There will be questions like "If I don't do those things, who am I?". They put so much pressure on themselves that they have to accomplish their goals perfectly, to the point of obsessing over them and becoming unattainable.

Exhausted exercise
Source: @atlasstudio

3. Remedy for Athlete Burnout Syndrome

Here are some expert tips to help you overcome overtraining syndrome:

  • Complete Rest - Take a complete break from an exhausting sport (as well as any form of extreme exercise) for at least two to three weeks and up to 12 weeks if needed. This gives your body time to recover - and gives you time to focus on other aspects of your life.
  • Get enough sleep - Most people need 7 to 8 hours a night, but you may need more if you have symptoms of overtraining syndrome. A good night's sleep can also help reduce depression and anxiety.
  • Get enough calories – You may be in a calorie deficit, which can contribute to fatigue, low mood, and an increased likelihood of injury. Eating healthy and listening to your body is an important part of your body's recovery.
  • Try new hobbies - Excessive focus on one sport is a leading cause of anxiety and burnout. If your favorite sport starts to feel like work, or something you “must” do, take a step back. Try finding a new hobby, perhaps as simple as reading a good book.
  • Medical Advice - If you are suffering from chronic fatigue, pain or other physiological problems, see a physiotherapist or general practitioner in addition to your mental health care. Friend.
  • Therapy - If you're feeling chronically anxious, sad, or listless, you may need a more "severe" treatment. A good therapist will also have much more insight into the causes and solutions to your burnout symptoms. In addition, you can try to refer to Therabody 's therapeutic application if you do not have time to visit the clinic regularly. This is also a reasonable and prestigious choice for many famous athletes in the world!

Exhausted exercise
Source: Therabody (Collin Morikawa - Golf athletics)

It is possible that for each person, the recovery time will be different, it depends on their individual situation. But the important thing is that you really recover and get past the perfection trap you set for yourself. There are many other interesting sports out there waiting for you to discover, why put pressure on just a few hobbies, right?

"Your Health. Our Science. Discover the movement." - Therabody.

Exhausted exercise
Source: Therabody (Theragun Pro)

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