Greetings,

Just Relax! Our young athletes today are very savvy – they know through their own experiences that leaving stress off the field adds to their performance on the field; but they are still faced with the challenge of balancing academics and sports on a daily basis, often adding to increased stress levels. These students are expected to excel academically while participating in year-round intense sports programs and activities that they enjoy immensely. With the guidance and support of family and coaches, they learn to navigate through emotional setbacks and embrace healthy competition regardless of the outcome.

Striving for the best performance includes physical and mental conditioning since success in sports relies upon equal emphasis on mind and body. Athletes who consistently practice relaxation techniques develop skills they can utilize in their training, which results in lower stress levels, helps them to mentally prepare for competition, and increases focus while playing the game. Introducing relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing and visualizing success) to young people has the potential to promote healthy lifestyle habits, confidence and positive thinking in their formative years that will help them grow into healthy, fit and well-rounded adults.

My nephew Luke Shields, a young athlete and excellent student, whom I mentor on a continuous basis has given me a heartfelt and thoughtful endorsement: “My Aunt Linda’s background in health and wellness has had a very positive effect on my sports career. I have been playing rep hockey for many years and she has taught me a lot of great lessons. We have had a lot of conversations about things like mind, body, sport and balance in life, the importance of team sports, of eating healthy and family. I will now touch on these briefly. First off is Mind, Body, Sport; this means the importance of whole body wellness, mental, emotional and physical. Her ideas included doing proper warmups prior to physical activity, to not let your emotions get the better of you and breathing methods to calm. We have also talked extensively about making sure to maintain a good balance between my sports and school and family. In the summer, it is a little harder for me to balance because I also umpire as well as play baseball. But my Aunt Linda helps me, and even though she is not here every day, I try to use all the tips to help keep a good balance.”

May your days be filled with Love, Happiness, Kindness and Sportsmanship!

Breathe deeply, Walk daily and Smile!

With Love, Peace and Light,
Linda Shields, Founder