Health and Wellbeing
Health and wellbeing is an important contributor participation in sport. Our resources provide key insights on physical health, mental resilience, social wellbeing, and more.
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Top 10 resources
- SIRCuit Article: Balancing Psychological Load: New Perspectives on Recovery
- SIRCuit Article: Supporting the Psychological Wellbeing of Athletes: What Can Coaches do?
- SIRC Article: The psychology of recovery among endurance athletes
- SIRCuit Article: The Role of Nutrition in Sport Concussion Recovery
- Game Plan: Wellbeing for Olympic and Paralympic Athletes
- Canadian Centre for Mental Health in Sport
- How air pollution affects human health and sport performance
- SCRI: Men athletes’ self-compassion and masculinity
- Engaging Girls and Women in Sport Mini Series – Part 4: Connecting mind and movement
- SIRC Active Break Video Series
Featured resource
Stuart Wilson, Joe Baker, and Nick Wattie
Featured resource
Public Health Agency Of Canada, University of Quebec in Montreal, and SIRC
Featured resource
Jamie Bissett, University of Toronto
Featured resource
Jordan Sutcliffe, University of Wollongong
Featured resource
Game Plan
Quick Facts
How does sport contribute to social wellbeing?
Sport fosters social wellbeing by providing opportunities for individuals to engage with others in a team environment, which promotes communication, cooperation, and respect. Participating in sport helps build a sense of belonging, whether through a local sports club, school team, or community event. It encourages the development of leadership skills, empathy, and the ability to work with diverse groups of people. Sport also strengthens social networks and friendships, providing emotional support and a sense of connection, which are critical for mental health and overall life satisfaction.
How can sport environments help participants' mental health?
Sport environments that prioritize mental health create a foundation for athlete success and overall wellbeing. Coaches, trainers, and sport organizations play a critical role by fostering inclusive, supportive environments where athletes feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges without fear of stigma. By providing access to resources like mental health professionals, educational workshops, and peer support programs, sport organizations can help athletes manage stress, prevent burnout, and develop healthy mental habits. Emphasizing mental health as part of overall performance encourages athletes to view their wellbeing holistically, improving both their mental and physical outcomes.
What is Psychological Skills Training (PST), and how does it benefit athletes?
Psychological Skills Training (PST) is a method used to enhance an athlete’s mental capabilities, helping them manage pressure, focus better, and stay motivated during competition. PST involves techniques like goal setting, imagery (visualization), and positive self-talk, which help athletes improve their mental strength and resilience. These skills are essential in maintaining consistent performance, especially under high-pressure situations. PST not only enhances physical performance but also promotes mental wellbeing, aiding athletes in handling stress, overcoming setbacks, and improving confidence. This training benefits athletes across all levels, from recreational participants to elite competitors.
What is nutritional well-being?
Nutritional well-being refers to the state of health achieved through a balanced and adequate intake of nutrients essential for optimal physical and mental performance. It involves consuming a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, to meet the body’s energy and nutrient needs. Proper nutrition supports athletic performance, aids recovery, and helps maintain overall health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
How does the outdoor environment impact overall health, particularly in extreme heat or cold?
The outdoor environment can significantly affect overall health, especially during extreme temperatures. In extreme heat, athletes are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and decreased performance. Conversely, extreme cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. It’s essential to adapt to these environmental factors by monitoring weather conditions, staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, and following safety guidelines. For more insights on how to manage activities in varying environmental conditions, visit our Environment page.
Video Resources
Effects of a Coach Communication Workshop on Youth Sport Participants
- McMaster University and SIRC
- 2013
4B – Advancing Safe Sport Through Occupational Health and Safety
- Laurentian University and SIRC
- 2022
Sex and Gender Differences in Concussions – Reema Shafi
- SIRC and University of Toronto
- 2021
The impact of mental health on concussion management
- York University and SIRC
- 2023
Using the Air Quality Index to make decisions about outdoor sport safety
- SIRC
- 2022
Coaches – Nutrition and your Team
- Ottawa Sport Council and SIRC
- 2015
Knowledge Nuggets
knowledge nuggets
Taking a team approach to concussion care
When it comes to concussion care, a team approach can be very helpful. Research shows that children and youth who receive interdisciplinary care, meaning care
When it comes to concussion care, a team approach can be very helpful. Research shows that children and youth who receive interdisciplinary care, meaning care from health practitioners with different specialties, early on in their recovery tend to have better outcomes. The takeaway is that referring athletes to the proper care is key!
knowledge nuggets
The impact of mental toughness on sport performance
Does mental toughness make a difference in sport performance? This review dove into research and found that athletes with higher mental toughness consistently perform better,
Does mental toughness make a difference in sport performance? This review dove into research and found that athletes with higher mental toughness consistently perform better, especially in combat and individual sports.
knowledge nuggets
Chronic alcohol misuse and sport performance
Chronic alcohol misuse causes muscle weakness and atrophy, while problematic drinking impairs muscle function and athletic performance. This study shows that alcohol consumption hinders muscle
Chronic alcohol misuse causes muscle weakness and atrophy, while problematic drinking impairs muscle function and athletic performance. This study shows that alcohol consumption hinders muscle recovery and function, potentially reducing sport performance, especially in men.
knowledge nuggets
Wearable sweat loss measuring devices
As technology continues to advance, athletes are increasingly using devices to enhance their performance and overall health. Wearable sweat sensors have become one of these
As technology continues to advance, athletes are increasingly using devices to enhance their performance and overall health. Wearable sweat sensors have become one of these key tools for health tracking. Here are recent developments in sweat loss measuring devices and how they contribute to improved tracking and monitoring of overall body health.
knowledge nuggets
Exercise training for youth tennis athletes
For optimal athletic performance, it is important not to neglect overall fitness. This study found that exercise training improves the physical fitness of young tennis
For optimal athletic performance, it is important not to neglect overall fitness. This study found that exercise training improves the physical fitness of young tennis players, particularly in speed and agility.
knowledge nuggets
Kinesio Taping for chronic ankle instability
Ankle injuries are common among athletes, with recurrent sprains potentially leading to chronic ankle instability (CAI). Kinesio Taping, a type of therapeutic taping, has shown
Ankle injuries are common among athletes, with recurrent sprains potentially leading to chronic ankle instability (CAI). Kinesio Taping, a type of therapeutic taping, has shown to provide moderate stabilization for athletes with CAI.
knowledge nuggets
Pressure training in sport
Athletes often face psychological pressure from competition, which can impact their performance. Pressure training, which introduces competition stress during practice, has been shown to be
Athletes often face psychological pressure from competition, which can impact their performance. Pressure training, which introduces competition stress during practice, has been shown to be an effective method for helping athletes develop coping skills and better manage stress in sports.
knowledge nuggets
Nutrition for injury prevention in combat sport athletes
Athletes in combat sports have a high risk of injury, with common issues affecting the head, neck, and limbs. Proper nutrition, including proteins and omega-3s,
Athletes in combat sports have a high risk of injury, with common issues affecting the head, neck, and limbs. Proper nutrition, including proteins and omega-3s, can help prevent injuries and speed up recovery, making it a key part of staying healthy and returning to training.
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