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.
Search Health & Wellbeing Resources
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
Jordan Sutcliffe, University of Wollongong
Featured resource
Game Plan
Featured resource
Public Health Agency Of Canada, University of Quebec in Montreal, and SIRC
Featured resource
Jamie Bissett, University of Toronto
Featured resource
Stuart Wilson, Joe Baker, and Nick Wattie
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
Advancing Safe Sport Through Occupational Health and Safety
- Laurentian University and SIRC
- 2022
Preliminary evidence supporting use of online psychological skills training with para-athletes
- University of Windsor and SIRC
- 2022
Engaging Girls and Women in Sport Mini Series – Part 4 : Connecting mind and movement
- University of British Columbia, University of Ottawa, Team Canada, Canadian Women & Sport, and SIRC
- 2022
Mom’s Got Game! Getting active after childbirth
- SIRC
- 2022
Canadian Leadership: A sneak peek into innovative concussion research in Canada
- University of Ottawa and SIRC
- 2024
Rethinking Achievement Goals to Consider the Role of Autonomy in the Sport Domain – Patrick Gaudreau
- University of Ottawa and SIRC
- 2013
Knowledge Nuggets
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.
knowledge nuggets
Protein intake for masters athletes
According to a recent review, Masters athletes exhibit muscle characteristics, physiological responses to exercise, and protein metabolism comparable to younger athletes. Like their younger counterparts,
According to a recent review, Masters athletes exhibit muscle characteristics, physiological responses to exercise, and protein metabolism comparable to younger athletes. Like their younger counterparts, Masters athletes should prioritize adequate dietary protein intake in their nutrition plans to effectively support training demands and optimize recovery.
knowledge nuggets
Strategic recovery for female tennis players
An analysis of female tennis players shows that the top 100 ranked players competed in more tournaments at ages 14-15 than the top 250, while
An analysis of female tennis players shows that the top 100 ranked players competed in more tournaments at ages 14-15 than the top 250, while all players began professional events by ages 17-18. As players age, their schedules become busier. Coaches must balance competition and training with recovery time, ensuring players get adequate rest to prevent burnout and injuries.
knowledge nuggets
Cooling strategies to enhance performance in the heat
The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games showcased many examples of how athletes adopted cooling strategies to improve performance in hot weather, from ice vests
The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games showcased many examples of how athletes adopted cooling strategies to improve performance in hot weather, from ice vests to heat-absorbing headbands. According to a review of the research, neck cooling (using cooling collars, wet towels, or ice bags) is one of the most effective and practical strategies to keep cool during exercise.
knowledge nuggets
Promoting mental health help-seeking in athletes
Seeking help for mental health can be difficult for athletes, and researchers are trying to understand why. According to one study, challenges that many athletes
Seeking help for mental health can be difficult for athletes, and researchers are trying to understand why. According to one study, challenges that many athletes face include limited access to mental health support and fear of judgement from others when seeking help. Having role models and teams that promote mental health can play an important role in overcoming these challenges.
knowledge nuggets
Strength training for children and youth
Parents often wonder whether strength training is safe for children and adolescents. Research shows that strength training can increase muscular fitness and bone mass, motor
Parents often wonder whether strength training is safe for children and adolescents. Research shows that strength training can increase muscular fitness and bone mass, motor development, and performance if done properly. Strength training is considered appropriate for children aged 6 years and older through training strategies using body weight and simple equipment with a focus on movement quality.
knowledge nuggets
Building resilience and adapting to rising temperatures with physical activity
Did you know that regular physical activity could make you more resilient to rising global temperatures? By improving heat tolerance and reducing vulnerability, physical activity
Did you know that regular physical activity could make you more resilient to rising global temperatures? By improving heat tolerance and reducing vulnerability, physical activity may play a crucial role in adapting to climate change. While more research is needed to explore these effects, physical activity remains an important tool to protect and promote health and wellbeing.
More Health and Wellbeing resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|