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Female athletes at FAU on football field meditating.

Empowering College Athletes’ Mental Health

Group of college athletes on FAU football field with Mary Ann Morgan FriedFlorida Atlantic University athletes and staff participated in a yoga and mindfulness session with Mary Ann Morgan Fried on October 3, 2023.

Being a college athlete means juggling intense training, academics, and personal life. It’s okay to acknowledge the mental challenges that come with it! At the beginning of this month we acknowledged Mental Health Week; let’s shine a light on the well-being of our incredible college athlete community.

Athleticism Beyond the Game

Remember, your strength isn’t just physical, it’s mental too. Your mental health matters as much as your physical training. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re feeling the pressure. We’re in this together!

Mindfulness in Sports

Embrace the power of mindfulness and mental preparation in your game. Visualization, breathing exercises, and positive affirmations can boost your confidence and focus. Share your mental prep tips and inspire your fellow athletes!

Talk, Share, Support

Athletes, coaches, and teammates – let’s keep the communication lines open. Be the listening ear someone might need. Your support can make a significant difference. Together, we can create a team culture of understanding and empathy.

Balancing Act

Balancing sports and academics can be challenging. It’s okay to ask for help. Your mental health impacts your performance. Reach out to counselors, teammates, or mentors if you’re feeling overwhelmed. There’s strength in seeking support.

Feel free to share this post with the college athletes in your life to encourage mental health awareness and support within your community. Together, we can create a supportive environment where every athlete feels heard, valued, and empowered.

FAU female athletes doing yoga on the football field.FAU athletes practicing yoga during the school’s Mental Health Week in October.

Female athletes at FAU on football field meditating.FAU athletes learning how to meditate during the school’s Mental Health Week in October.

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Show Up for What’s Up

I was listening to Dear Gabby, and when she said this, I thought, “YES! Just show up for what’s up!” This has been my experience the last few years.

I believe that our inner work is right in front of us, but we often get distracted by life and don’t always make time for what truly matters.

I know for so many years I was focusing on so many different things. I was trying to achieve so many goals instead of looking right in front of me. In my last teacher training, I was feeling this ROCK inside of me, but I didn’t want to go there! I was trying to shield myself, but I knew something was about to shift! Instead of just sitting down and talking about the uncomfortable things in my life, I just avoided looking at what was showing up for me.

I know the work we have to do is hard, and I really never like to go there! But this is the work that has saved me in my life.

In my twenties, I hit rock bottom. I was very successful in my career, but my personal life was a mess. I never wanted to look in front of me. Luckily, I had the greatest therapist in the world who guiding me to where I am today. It was the hardest work I had to do on myself, but if it wasn’t for my therapist, my 12 Step meetings and my sponsor, I wouldn’t be here today.

If you have something uncomfortable that you know you need to deal with, please give it your attention. It may be hard, but it’s SO worth it in the end. Because, YOU MATTER.

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Stress less and keep it healthy at these top local destinations

It’s very easy to feel depleted and stressed out during the holiday season – sometimes we just take on too much, all at once. While it’s always important to prioritize self care, it’s even more critical these days when we need (and want!) to be fully present for our loved ones.

To help you stay healthy and happy during this time of year, I’ve got some amazing places in our local community you should definitely check out:

For some healthy food options, try:

Also, please don’t miss the VegFest at Mizner Park this Saturday, December 14!

Lastly, check out Yoga Journey’s meditation classes, 12:30-1:00pm Monday-Friday (no experience needed!).

Have a beautiful holiday season, and please, take care of yourself!

Sending lots of love,
Mary Ann

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The Importance of Self Care and Rituals During the Holidays

Today I want to remind you of the importance of self-care and the importance of rituals. Especially with the holidays just around the corner, our minds can have so many “tabs” open. So the more busy you are in your life I highly recommend that you practice having a meditation practice, having a tapping practice, having a pranayama practice, or simply just going to yoga. Yoga is a way to move energy, it’s a way to release any tension that we’re holding onto in the mind and body. Don’t try to do everything this holiday season. Take the time to slow down, always practicing a moment of stillness.

If you are not reading a book right now, I highly recommend The Power of Now, which you can find on my Amazon page (click here). And don’t wait till 2020! Just create a sacred practice for you, so that way you know at the end of the day or in the morning. This is what I do to keep myself centered, because if we can practice ways to stay centered we can make conscious choices throughout the day that is in line with our values and our intentions. So guys, just enjoy the holidays and know that it’s a beautiful time of the year to give, and also to be present in our own life, in our own way of moving, not just on the mat but in life. So, enjoy! I love you guys. Namaste, peace out.

Mary Ann

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