Hoops Coaches 4 Well-being

Here at Basketball Australia Coaching we want Basketball Coaches from throughout Australia to engage in a month of health and wellbeing! https://t.co/8MRnqiCEpx 

But why is this important ? Coaches pour all their energies into creating experiences for their players that are enjoyable and healthy that too often it comes at the detriment of both of those things for themselves! Tensions can rise, diet can go out the window, sleep becomes a luxury, socialisation a future concern and family sadly suffer from the combination of all of this!

Very rarely will any coach make it through a season without some feeling of fatigue or anxiety creeping in so its important to not leave these unchecked! If ignored, passion levels will drop and motivation will diminish and we might lose you and we dont want that!

Stress

We wouldn’t coach if we didn’t strive for those moments of joy and fufillment, in whatever form they come. However more often than not, serious stress comes before these successes! There are 5 major Coach Stress Factors!

So now we know the stressors, what are some ways we can best cope with it!

Nobody is an Island, unless their name is Madagascar

It might be a tagline from an old television advert but the message is very relevant! Who are you surrounding yourself with in your coaching environment ? Are they energy givers ? People who are action orientated, positive, enthusiastic and bringing up your spirits and relieving your tensions ? Sadly these people dont go on trees but if you can find someone that ticks some of these boxes you will be well on your way!

It starts with you

Like any problem or challenge you face, the most important person in determining a succesful outcome is yourself! Everytime you get in your car you cast an eye at the petrol gauge and determine how much gas you have and how far you can go. Do the same internally when you step on the court and ensure you have a plan on how to top up before you get stranded on the side of the coaching highway!

Balance

The easiest way and most successful way to improve wellness is to build physical activity and sleep habits into your routine. You don’t need to be breaking out a 2k time trial or crushing PB’s in the gym. Simple tasks such as walking the dog, mowing the lawn, playing with friends and family can all help you stay fresh both physically and mentally!

Coaches can follow some simple tips for improving the quality of their sleep:

• Aim for six to eight hours of sleep each night.
• Sleep, and wake, at approximately the same time each day.
• Develop, and adhere to, a presleep routine (how you prepare for
  bed each night).
• Avoid screen time in the hour before bedtime. At a minimum, dim
  the light on electronic devices to its lowest level.

Challenge

For the month of January,

• Walk 150km for the month
• Read a book
• 5 minutes of minfulness each day
• Give up soft drink, chocolate, sweets or alcohol for the month
• Connect with 5 coaches to talk well being

By taking part in the HoopsCoaches4Wellbeing we can raise money and awareness and support our colleagues.

For as little as a $20 donation, raise money for BeyondBlue and support each other.

Starting January 1, get involved, look after yourself and support mental health awareness.