SHAH ALAM - It is crucial for athletes to prioritise their mental health, as stress and anxiety can negatively impact both their performance and overall well-being.
In recent years, an alarming trend has emerged with sudden deaths occurring among young, athletic individuals who seem to be the epitome of health and vitality.
This unsettling phenomenon shows how crucial it is for athletes to prioritise their mental health.
Hence, it is vital for athletes to attend to their mental health needs with the same dedication they give to their physical conditioning.
Gym instructor Sharain Shahrudin embodies this principle by prioritising his well-being through eating balanced meals, staying hydrated and ensuring adequate rest between workouts.
He said to make sure he stays within safe limits in his daily routines, he uses a smartwatch to monitor his heart rate and sleep as well as for early detection of any unusual changes.
To prevent injuries, he said it was important to stretch and warm up before workouts.
Sharain added that he regularly undergoes check-ups to maintain overall health.
"Listening to your body is also crucial. If you feel dizzy, excessively tired or experience chest pain, take a break immediately.
"Begin your workouts slowly and gradually increase the intensity.
"Rest days are just as vital as workout days, so do not ignore any discomfort or unusual symptoms," he told Sinar Daily.
He also recommended consulting a doctor or trainer to prevent any health issues.
The part-time personal trainer at F45 Training said incorporating practices like mindfulness and yoga could also help in maintaining a healthy balance between the body and mind.
"Mental health is just as important as physical fitness.
"Stress and anxiety can impact your performance and overall health, so I recommend practices like meditation and mindfulness and ensuring you have ample time to relax.
"A supportive gym community where people share their experiences can be very beneficial.
"I have a supportive group of friends who motivate me to head to the gym every day at 5.50am and keep me on track. Stay positive and do not be too hard on yourself if progress is slow," he added.
Sharain said he has witnessed people pushing themselves too hard, leading to fainting or injuries.
This, he said shows how crucial it is to listen to the body and get proper guidance from trainers.
"I have seen enthusiastic new (gym) members go all out on their first day, only to suffer injuries like muscle strains or worse, sometimes even puking or straining due to poor posture during (weight) lifting.
"This has taught me to always remember to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity, prioritising safety to prevent such injuries.
"I also practice what I preach, staying vigilant about my own stretching routine daily. After all, I am not getting any younger," he said when contacted.
Echoing Sharain’s views, assistant coach and sparring partner for singles department at Badminton Ireland National Team Muhammad Izzudin Shamsul Muzlli said prioritising mental health is crucial, extending beyond just athletics.
He said taking proactive steps such as consulting with healthcare professionals like doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists and psychologists could help identify any issues early on.
"Do not hesitate to share your emotions and feelings.
"If you ever find yourself feeling low or overwhelmed, confide in a friend or a coach.
"Your coach is equipped to offer sound guidance and will attentively consider your perspective," he said when contacted.
Izzudin shared that to alleviate stress in his daily routine, he would arrive early for training.
This, he said would provide him some time to relax before training.
He said he would also make sure that his body is fueled with nutritious food before and after training.
He also wears a smartwatch to track his heart rate, calories and stress levels.
"This combined approach can significantly aid in achieving specific health goals. Listening to your body is important too," he said.
Izzudin said when it comes to avoiding overexertion, open communication with the coach is key.
"They are there to support you, as are your family members. Keeping them informed about your feelings is essential.
"Cultivating a positive mindset fosters a perpetual eagerness to train and improve. Finding joy in laughter, smiles and the sheer pleasure of playing sports enriches your life.
"Prioritise a consistent sleep routine to support mental health; waking up refreshed and enthusiastic sets a positive tone for the day ahead," he said.
Izzudin also stressed that spending quality time with loved ones could also alleviate stress and enhances both athletic performance and overall enjoyment of life.
"Seek guidance from those you trust, respect and admire, and resist the temptation to constantly compare yourself to others, particularly in today's digital world," he said.