Demystifying Mental Toughness 138 Why do the Mentally Tough see Sleep and Recovery as Important
If you're Mentally Tough you don't need to sleep you can simply push through… Wrong!
The mentally tough person, as research suggests is more likely to deal with fatigue better than a mentally sensitive person however they do need to sleep. Being committed to your goals, making sacrifices, taking challenges head on and dealing with pressure requires a clear head, focus and perspective, as well as adequate rest and recovery.
In this episode, I chat with Nick Littlehales, a well respected Sleep Coach to many elite sports performers. Nick goes on to share more on the topic of sleep, where he tells you about his experiences supporting Manchester United and Arsenal football clubs, as well as the England National Team. We also touch on other sports and the intricacies that need to be considered when you think of sleep and recovery.
Key Learning Points:
- At Manchester United I was with the club and exploring myths and misunderstandings about sleep, where I looked to redefine their approach to recovery.
- Understanding your sleep chronotype is important.
- Focusing on circadian rhythms can be beneficial.
- Tracking and collecting data can be helpful but it can also cause anxiety and added stress.
- Napping is very helpful to remain fresh and focused, aiding your decision making and recovery.
- Consider your environment and think about light, dark and temperature exposure can improve your sleep quality.
- A message for parents, make sure your kids spend some time outside, away from the tech to improve their sleep quality.
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To Listen to Football or Soccer Podcast Episodes
Ep015: Nick Grantham – Essential Elements of Rest and Recovery
Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport
Ep092: Dr James Hegarty – ACT in Sport, Improving Performance through Mindfulness
Ep137: David Charlton - Mindfulness and ACT in Sport: Helping Athletes Perform Better
Other Helpful Resources
Blog: How Mentally Healthy is Your Clubs Sporting Environment
Blog: Does Your Warm Up Influence How You Perform?
Blog: Using ACT and Mindfulness to Improve Your Sporting Performances
Blog: Why You Should Meditate To Improve Your Sport Performance?