Meditation is not some fluffy, inaccessible practice. It’s a powerful tool to help you stay sharp, calm, and focused as you navigate life after sports. The key is to break free from these outdated myths and give it a real shot.

So why doesn’t this goal-setting skill easily transfer to life after sports? From a behavioral perspective, there are multiple reasons why this is the case. Once you can see a new perspective on why setting and achieving non-sport goals is a challenge for retired athletes, you can take actions to successfully set and achieve non-sport goals.

There is growing evidence of the multiple benefits of meditation. For former athletes, the transition from the field to a life beyond sports can be a rocky journey, filled with uncertainty and a sense of loss. Given the specific needs of retired athletes, a regular meditation practice is just what is needed in sports retirement, offering a clearer mind and a fresh perspective on life after sports careers.

Here, we will explore how mindfulness can be a powerful tool to support former and retired athletes during their transition to a new phase of life and continuing on this path after sports retirement.

What is athlete identity? It is the extent to which a person identifies with being an athlete. It refers to the psychological attachment that people form with their athletic abilities, achievements and their involvement in sports.

Retired athletes have a unique set of needs, both physically and mentally. After spending so much time, likely many years, training to excel in their sport, the transition away from that can understandably be a challenge.

Yoga is not a quick fix or a one-time activity. It is a lifelong practice that requires dedication and commitment. As your body changes and ages, your yoga practice will also evolve, and you will need to continue to challenge yourself and learn new skills. This can be both challenging and rewarding, but it requires a willingness to embrace change and continue learning.

Enter yoga. There is the physical practice of yoga, or asana. The physical practice helps build and maintain strength and flexibility. But there is so much more to it. Yoga also teaches us to be fully present and observant or our bodies as a way to discover who we really are. It also helps us to have a clearer mind, so that we can focus on what is truly important to us.