3 Things You Didn’t Know about MIGHT of An Athlete

Athletes are known for their impressive physical abilities, but what many people don't realize is that a significant portion of their success comes from the power of their central nervous system and caring the the issues in their tissues.

By adjusting your CNS, athletes can improve factors like energy levels, sleep quality, stress levels, and digestion, which all have a direct impact on their performance before, during, and after game day.

Here are three things you didn't know about the might of an athlete and how they harness the power of their CNS to achieve success.

Restorative Sleep is Key

One of the most important factors that contribute to an athlete's success is restorative sleep. It's no secret that sleep is essential for our bodies to repair and recover, but it's also crucial for our mental health and cognitive function.

Athletes who prioritize restorative sleep can improve their reaction time, decision-making skills, and overall performance on the field.

A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that sleep deprivation negatively affects cognitive performance and reaction time. The study also showed that adequate sleep improves cognitive performance and reaction time, which can be particularly important for athletes who need to make quick decisions and react to their surroundings during competition.

I regularly stress the importance of creating a sleep routine that supports restorative sleep with my clients. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and create a bedtime routine that promotes restorative sleep, such as avoiding screens before bed, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule.

I encourage breathing practices targeted for bedtime that slow the heart rate and allow for easy transition to dreamland. Meditation practices called Yoga Nidra / Non Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) is rejuvenating and relax the mind and bodily senses to promote self-awareness in the process. Yoga Nidra / NSDR practices allow you to access delta brainwaves which are responsible for the healing and restoration that happens in your body during deep sleep. I recommend starting with 5-10 minutes and increasing practice time to 40 minutes or longer. Although not a substitute for actual sleep, Non Sleep Deep Rest practices can feel the equivalent to 4-5 hours of sleep.

Reduced Stress Levels Improve Focus

Another key factor that contributes to an athlete's success is their ability to manage stress. High levels of stress can have a negative impact on cognitive function and physical performance, so it's essential for athletes to find ways to reduce stress levels.

A study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology found that high levels of stress can impair an athlete's decision-making ability and increase their risk of injury. Another study found that athletes who reported higher levels of stress had lower levels of physical activity and were more likely to experience burnout.

I teach my athletes a variety of actions they can take to achieve lower stress levels that work best for them. Incorporating Mind Based Stress Reduction techniques into your routine, such as mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises or yoga can help manage your stress and improve the ability to focus, make decisions under pressure, and perform at your best.

Improved Digestion Leads to Better Nutrition

The food we eat plays a significant role in our physical and mental health, and athletes are no exception. Proper digestion is crucial for nutrient absorption, which is essential for providing athletes with the energy and nutrients they need to perform at their best. However, many athletes struggle with digestive issues that can impact their ability to absorb and utilize nutrients.

Research shows that the enteric nervous system contributes to overall gastrointestinal motility, nutrient handling, gastric acid secretion and other functions within the GI tract as it relates to the nervous system. The way we breathe and spend more time in parasympathetic realms, the body has a better chance to digest food efficiently than if we eat foods while we are in fight-flight-freeze mode. The enteric nervous system, also known as the "second brain," contributes to overall gastrointestinal motility, nutrient handling, gastric acid secretion, and other functions within the GI tract as it relates to the nervous system.

To promote better digestion, I recommend incorporating breathing practices specifically designed to help the nervous system prior to ingesting a meal or snack. These practices can help shift the body into a more relaxed state and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest, relaxation and digestion.

In addition to breathing practices, athletes can also benefit from incorporating probiotics into their diet to support gut health. I recommend a probiotic supplement called Life 9, which can help ease gut discomfort, maintain gut health naturally, and support a healthy metabolism. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that probiotics can improve digestive function and nutrient absorption in athletes, making them an essential addition to any athlete's nutrition regimen.

The power of an athlete's central nervous system cannot be understated. Incorporating restorative sleep, reduced stress levels, and improved digestion into your routine can have a profound impact on athletes harnessing their greatness.

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