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
Public Health Agency Of Canada, University of Quebec in Montreal, and SIRC
Featured resource
Stuart Wilson, Joe Baker, and Nick Wattie
Featured resource
Jordan Sutcliffe, University of Wollongong
Featured resource
Jamie Bissett, University of Toronto
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
4B – Advancing Safe Sport Through Occupational Health and Safety
- Laurentian University and SIRC
- 2022
Experts in the House webinar with Chantale Lussier: Mental wellness considerations
- Elysian Insight and SIRC
- 2020
Sport North Federation & SIRC WebinarConcussions – What coaches & their teams need to know
- Sport North Federation and SIRC
- 2021
Driving Change Spotlight: Tricia McGuire Adams
- University of Ottawa and SIRC
- 2020
The impact of mental health on concussion management
- York University and SIRC
- 2023
11B: Supporting athlete psychosocial development
- University of Alberta and SIRC
- 2022
Knowledge Nuggets
knowledge nuggets
Perfectionistic traits and distance running
In competitive sports, understanding how to achieve peak performance is crucial. This study found that athletes with perfectionistic traits performed better in a 10K run
In competitive sports, understanding how to achieve peak performance is crucial. This study found that athletes with perfectionistic traits performed better in a 10K run and a half-marathon, indicating that a drive for perfection can enhance results in distance running.
knowledge nuggets
Sport-specific influences and risk factors for disordered eating
Female athletes in artistic, endurance and combat sports are at higher risk of developing disordered eating and eating disorders than the general population, and new
Female athletes in artistic, endurance and combat sports are at higher risk of developing disordered eating and eating disorders than the general population, and new research reveals some interesting sport-specific differences. For example, female endurance athletes engage in more disordered eating attitudes and behaviours than athletes in artistic and combat sports, emphasizing the importance of understanding sport-specific influences and risk factors.
knowledge nuggets
Training load and sport performance
Training load monitoring is crucial in sports for boosting performance and managing injury risk. This study highlights that while the data from these monitors are
Training load monitoring is crucial in sports for boosting performance and managing injury risk. This study highlights that while the data from these monitors are complex, they are vital for making informed decisions and improving both player performance and overall team success.
knowledge nuggets
Muscle cramps and damage in marathon runners
Muscle cramps are a common issue in marathons, often affecting runners’ performance. This study compared muscle damage and dehydration between marathoners with and without exercise-associated
Muscle cramps are a common issue in marathons, often affecting runners’ performance. This study compared muscle damage and dehydration between marathoners with and without exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMC). Runners with EAMC had higher levels of muscle damage markers but similar dehydration and electrolyte levels compared to those without cramps.
knowledge nuggets
Vitamin D comparison between indoor and outdoor athletes
Vitamin D is crucial for health as it impacts bone health and immune function. Indoor elite athletes have been shown to have lower vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for health as it impacts bone health and immune function. Indoor elite athletes have been shown to have lower vitamin D levels compared to outdoor athletes, with nearly all indoor athletes being deficient in the vitamin.
knowledge nuggets
Effects of high intensity interval training
High intensity interval training, also known as HIIT, is a widely used form of training to improve cardiac performance. Research shows that a 5-week HIIT
High intensity interval training, also known as HIIT, is a widely used form of training to improve cardiac performance. Research shows that a 5-week HIIT program improved aerobic capacity and sport-specific skills for athletes.
knowledge nuggets
Self-esteem in sport
Self-esteem plays a crucial role in both daily life and sports. This study finds that athletes in individual sports generally exhibit higher levels of self-esteem
knowledge nuggets
Breaking the taboo about menstrual cycles in sport
Competitive female athletes perceive their hormonal cycles as affecting their sport involvement, but rarely discuss these issues with their coaches. A study of Swedish cross-country
Competitive female athletes perceive their hormonal cycles as affecting their sport involvement, but rarely discuss these issues with their coaches. A study of Swedish cross-country skiers showed that low levels of knowledge about hormonal cycles are a barrier to communication. Strategies to increase knowledge and strengthen coach-athlete relationships can help to break down barriers for women in sport.
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