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
Game Plan
Featured resource
Jordan Sutcliffe, University of Wollongong
Featured resource
Jamie Bissett, University of Toronto
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
7B: Revisiting Recovery
- University of Ottawa and SIRC
- 2022
Are Sport-Related Concussions Different in Males and Females
- SIRC
- 2021
How air pollution affects human health and sport performance
- Loughborough University and SIRC
- 2022
Sex and Gender Differences in Concussions – Reema Shafi
- SIRC and University of Toronto
- 2021
Demographic considerations for concussion management
- University of Calgary and SIRC
- 2023
Mom’s Got Game! Getting active after childbirth
- SIRC
- 2022
Knowledge Nuggets
knowledge nuggets
Monitoring Athletes’ Mental Fatigue
Athletes are susceptible to mental fatigue, which can negatively impact both their physical performance and technical skills. Researchers found that mental fatigue in athletes varied
Athletes are susceptible to mental fatigue, which can negatively impact both their physical performance and technical skills. Researchers found that mental fatigue in athletes varied significantly during the pre-season and decreased as competition neared. Which means, monitoring athletes’ mental fatigue could help practitioners better tailor recovery strategies — especially during the pre-season.
knowledge nuggets
Menstruation and athletes
Conversations around menstruation are becoming more common in sport. According to the Empow’Her program led by France’s National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance, female
Conversations around menstruation are becoming more common in sport. According to the Empow’Her program led by France’s National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance, female athletes may experience menstrual soreness, cramps, digestive disorders, bloating and increased tiredness during their periods. Since symptoms are different for each person, the impact on training will vary and require an individualized approach to symptom management.
knowledge nuggets
Judo and recovery
Judo, a physically demanding combat sport, requires optimal recovery for peak performance. This study finds that muscle recovery reaches its peak 24 hours after a
Judo, a physically demanding combat sport, requires optimal recovery for peak performance. This study finds that muscle recovery reaches its peak 24 hours after a match, while movement ability remains steady. Prioritizing recovery during this period can enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.
knowledge nuggets
Enhancing performance in the heat
Prolonged exercise in the heat raises core temperature and causes dehydration, which can impair performance and increase the risk of heat-related illness. A review of
Prolonged exercise in the heat raises core temperature and causes dehydration, which can impair performance and increase the risk of heat-related illness. A review of the research on effective strategies to mitigate these effects suggests that heat acclimation, hydration, and cooling techniques, such as using cold towels or ice vests, are ways to enhance comfort and sustain performance in hot conditions.
knowledge nuggets
Intermittent fasting and athletics
Intermittent fasting (IF), a popular method of weight loss, has shown promise for some athletes. From boosting energy metabolism to reducing inflammation and supporting chronic
Intermittent fasting (IF), a popular method of weight loss, has shown promise for some athletes. From boosting energy metabolism to reducing inflammation and supporting chronic disease prevention, IF may be a game changer for some athletes.
knowledge nuggets
Physical activity for cognitive function
Want to supercharge your focus? Take a quick run! A recent study shows that short activity breaks can sharply boost attention, making them a game
Want to supercharge your focus? Take a quick run! A recent study shows that short activity breaks can sharply boost attention, making them a game changer for staying sharp and engaged.
knowledge nuggets
Using carbohydrates to delay fatigue
Fatigue can make or break an athlete’s performance, affecting key skills at critical moments. While fitness is essential, carbohydrate intake may be the secret weapon
Fatigue can make or break an athlete’s performance, affecting key skills at critical moments. While fitness is essential, carbohydrate intake may be the secret weapon for delaying fatigue and staying at peak performance.
knowledge nuggets
Inactivity and health risks
In today’s digital era, it’s easy to overlook the importance of physical activity in our daily lives. New data from the WHO show that nearly
In today’s digital era, it’s easy to overlook the importance of physical activity in our daily lives. New data from the WHO show that nearly one third (31%) of adults worldwide did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022, increasing the risk of certain diseases and health conditions. However, nearly half of the world’s countries have made improvements over the past decade, with 22 countries identified as likely to reach the global target of reducing inactivity by 15% by 2030.
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