Professional athletes are really good at sports and get a lot of attention for it. But what we don’t always see is that they also deal with a lot of stress and pressure. People like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Serena Williams have talked openly about how they take care of their mental health, showing us that it’s important to talk about stress and look after ourselves.
Ahead of major sporting events like the Super Bowl and NBA All-Star weekend, Harper’s Bazaar sat down with three rising stars in the sports world—Garrett Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Amon-Ra St. Brown—to discuss their approaches to mental fitness and self-care. Despite their different backgrounds and athletic careers, each athlete shared valuable insights into navigating the demands of professional sports while safeguarding their mental well-being.
Garrett Wilson talked about how important it is for athletes to understand themselves. Instead of reacting quickly to tough times, he thinks it’s better to take a step back and figure out why things are hard.
Chelsea Gray agreed with Wilson. She said that after games, it helps her to think back on what happened. This way, she can find closure and understand things better, which helps her feel calmer and more at ease. By accepting her feelings and experiences, Gray finds comfort in knowing herself better.
Adidas wants to help athletes with their mental health. They started a campaign called “You Got This” to show that it’s okay to feel stressed and to offer ways to handle it. They worked with experts to give tips like saying positive things to yourself and getting ready mentally before games.
While some athletes thrive under pressure, like Amon-Ra St. Brown, who finds energy in competition and embraces high-stakes moments, others, like Wilson and Gray, prioritize finding balance and relaxation outside of sports.
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Similarly, Wilson finds comfort in self-care rituals like postgame baths and indulging in his mom’s home-cooked meals. Despite the intense pressures of professional sports, these simple pleasures serve as anchors, grounding athletes in moments of uncertainty and stress.
Beyond self-care practices, both Wilson and Gray emphasize the importance of seeking support and being open about their mental health struggles. By surrounding themselves with understanding and supportive individuals, they create a supportive environment where vulnerability is embraced, and challenges are faced together.
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As the conversation around mental health in sports continues to evolve, athletes like Wilson, Gray, and St. Brown serve as advocates for prioritizing self-care and destigmatizing stress. By sharing their experiences and insights, they inspire others to prioritize their mental wellness and seek support when needed.
