Mindfulness practice is a method that allows you to be more present and aware of yourself and surroundings. Mindfulness can help you better recognize the choices you are making and how they might impact your ability to be successful in your life. When you practice mindfulness, allow yourself to be non-judgmental of your thoughts. This type of practice can help you improve focus, be less reactive in decision making, and more aware of your emotions. 

(Gallo et al., 2020; Johnson, Chapter 9, 2019; Zgierska et al., 2008)

Social pressures and impulsivity can make it challenging to be aware of the amount of alcohol you consume. Practicing mindfulness and being aware of positive emotions can help you create a plan before going out. Having a plan can help you be less impulsive and more aware of the choices you make (Gallo et al., 2020). 

Meditation and breathwork (focusing on the act of breathing) can help you be more intentional with your choices. Breathing can be calming which will let you be more aware of your thoughts and actions (Zgierska et al., 2008). 

Being mindful takes practice, but can make a big impact on your ability to be self-aware and will allow you to make choices that will positively impact your student-athlete career. 

If you are new to mindfulness, UWL offers free premium access to the Insight Timer App when you sign in with your UWL email.

Insight Timer 

Insight timer offers many options for guided meditation, podcasts about well-being topics, and daily check-ins. This is an excellent tool to have a regular practice plan to improve the skill of mindfulness.

Use mindfulness practice to tap into your positive emotions. When you feel better about yourself, you are more likely to make healthy decisions (Gallo et al., 2020)