By Kailyn Huynh
Can’t seem to focus? Having trouble getting homework done or falling asleep in class? You’re likely facing the same issue that many other student-athletes across campus have to deal with.
For the average student, a school day lasts for about six hours, but as an athlete, your day could run for an additional two or more hours. It’s no surprise that so many of these students feel exhausted throughout the day, especially when they reach home after practice.
Even with all the challenges it poses to student-athletes, post-practice exhaustion is a largely overlooked topic. This exhaustion, however, can leave many feeling both unmotivated and lethargic, making it rather difficult to accomplish any homework.
So, how is it possible for anyone to beat the post-practice slump and get work done?
Below are some of my tips for getting past this boulder.
- Avoid the scroll
Do not fall into the trap of hours of mindless scrolling on social media. Even if you think it’s just for five minutes, don’t do it! It’s easy to get distracted and lose track of time while on these apps.
In fact, “Doom scrolling can lead to irritability, lack of productivity, poor concentration and mental fatigue which can further have a detrimental effect on a person’s overall sense of well-being,” UNC Health said in a 2023 article.
Not only will scrolling on social media waste your time, but it can make you feel even more tired after a long day of work.
It’s better to avoid these apps completely than risk the consequences of being online.
- Shower right away
While you may want to lay on the ground lifeless for an hour after practice, rather than getting up and doing work, there are better things you could be doing. Even if you feel tired, it’s a good idea to get up and get your body moving.
Instead of sitting on the floor taking a nap, scrolling through TikTok or contemplating life, take a shower! Don’t wait around slumped in exhaustion. Taking a shower can refresh both your body and mind.
- Eat and drink
Food is always a great way to replenish lost energy. For a student-athlete, it’s important to make sure that you are eating enough, especially if you just finished a practice or workout.
“Some people begin feeling sluggish after just a few hours without food,” Harvard Health Publishing said. “But it doesn’t take much to feed your brain. A piece of fruit or a few nuts is adequate.”
- Take a quick nap
If you really need a break, even after completing all the actions above, then set a timer!
Taking a quick power nap can be especially beneficial when you’re beginning to lose focus or struggling to stay awake. However, it’s important to make sure you don’t nap for too long as that could reduce its effectiveness and cause you to struggle falling asleep later on.
Whether the nap is 15, 20 or 30 minutes long, the most important part is to be strict on yourself. Setting a timer is helpful, but it’s no use if you don’t follow it.
Hopefully, with these steps, you’ll feel motivated and ready to tackle your workload after a long day of school and practice.
