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
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Jordan Sutcliffe, University of Wollongong
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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
SCRI 2021 – Men athletes’ self-compassion and masculinity
- University of Saskatchewan, University of Alberta, and SIRC
- 2021
Are Sport-Related Concussions Different in Males and Females
- SIRC
- 2021
Demographic considerations for concussion management
- Brock University and SIRC
- 2023
Sex and Gender Differences in Concussions – Reema Shafi
- SIRC and University of Toronto
- 2021
Engaging Girls and Women in Sport Mini Series – Part 1: Getting Girls Back in the Game
- SIRC, Edmonton Tsunami, University of Guelph, and Brams United Soccer Club
- 2021
Reimagining High School Sport Coaching through a Social Justice Lens
- Brock University
- 2024
Knowledge Nuggets
knowledge nuggets
Nutrition in Para sport
Para athletes face unique dietary challenges, yet little is known about their nutrition habits and needs. This study found they have lower nutrition knowledge than
Para athletes face unique dietary challenges, yet little is known about their nutrition habits and needs. This study found they have lower nutrition knowledge than their non-disabled peers and rarely consult dietitians, highlighting a clear need for tailored nutrition education and support in Para sport.
knowledge nuggets
Vitamin D in athletes
Vitamin D plays an important role in preventing musculoskeletal injuries. But according to recent research, many athletes are deficient in Vitamin D, especially in the
Vitamin D plays an important role in preventing musculoskeletal injuries. But according to recent research, many athletes are deficient in Vitamin D, especially in the winter. Spending time in the sun and consuming a diet rich in foods like fish and eggs are simple ways to increase Vitamin D intake. If you’re concerned about your Vitamin D levels, talk to your doctor.
knowledge nuggets
Promoting wellbeing through organized sport
Engaging in physical activity supports wellbeing in youth by improving mental and physical health and promoting social connectedness. Recent research suggests that organized sports may
Engaging in physical activity supports wellbeing in youth by improving mental and physical health and promoting social connectedness. Recent research suggests that organized sports may be more beneficial than other forms of recreational physical activities for supporting wellbeing, highlighting the unique benefits of organized sport for youth athletes.
knowledge nuggets
Training time and motivation
Does training time affect performance? This study found that while training at a preferred time didn’t significantly boost performance, it did enhance motivation and make
Does training time affect performance? This study found that while training at a preferred time didn’t significantly boost performance, it did enhance motivation and make workouts feel easier.
knowledge nuggets
Physical activity in adulthood
Engaging in exercise throughout adulthood is essential for supporting health and wellbeing. Research shows that young, middle-aged and older adults who participate in physical activity
Engaging in exercise throughout adulthood is essential for supporting health and wellbeing. Research shows that young, middle-aged and older adults who participate in physical activity report increased happiness and life satisfaction compared to those with more sedentary lifestyles. This emphasizes the importance of staying active regardless of your age.
knowledge nuggets
Elite athletes’ self-regulation boosts recovery
Endurance athletes rely on self-regulatory skills like knowing, listening to, and respecting their bodies to optimize recovery between intense workouts. According to new research, elite
Endurance athletes rely on self-regulatory skills like knowing, listening to, and respecting their bodies to optimize recovery between intense workouts. According to new research, elite athletes demonstrate greater skill in adapting recovery to their stress levels compared to non-elite athletes, offering insights into personalized approaches to prevent injury and burnout.
knowledge nuggets
Stress fractures and vitamin D
Stress fractures can sideline athletes, but the good news is they’re often preventable. One major culprit is low vitamin D levels, which, when addressed with
Stress fractures can sideline athletes, but the good news is they’re often preventable. One major culprit is low vitamin D levels, which, when addressed with vitamin D and calcium supplementation, can significantly reduce fracture risk and speed up recovery.
knowledge nuggets
Exercising to sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep can improve health and well-being, but for many adults, a good night’s sleep can be hard to get. A recent
Getting a good night’s sleep can improve health and well-being, but for many adults, a good night’s sleep can be hard to get. A recent review looked at the effects of exercise on sleep and found that regular exercise increases sleep quality and reduces insomnia in adults, highlighting the importance of a regular exercise routine.
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