There is no point in arguing that we are competitive. This idea, driven by the fact that we are drawn towards competition, has been observed for thousands of years, often as a result of survival and, of course, pride, sense of accomplishment, and personal gratification.
From our ancestors outwitting animals (and each other) for food and clothing, athletes pushing their limits to break records, earn trophies, and have medals hung around their necks, to the brightest minds looking for answers to some of humanity’s most elusive questions, our competitive spirit can sometimes tear the very fabric that makes us sane.
Anxiety, burnout, depression. We’ve all heard of these terms before. Although we do not necessarily encounter these on a normal day, these pressures are compounded by chronic stress, especially when we are expected to perform at our peak and produce exemplary results in the process.
WA Sportsmed Physiotherapy describes stress as a “complex physiological response that involves the activation of the body’s ‘fight or flight’ mechanism.” What this means is that when our body recognizes a threat, whether real or imagined, it releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
But while this can be crucial, especially when “survival of the fittest” kicks in, chronic exposure to stress can have negative consequences on an athlete’s physical and mental health:
Heightened Risk of Injury
In a blog published by Conye Medical, athletes who are under stress have reduced peripheral vision compared to athletes who are not under stress. In addition, increased pressure to perform is found to be more distracting, increases muscle tension, and can often lead to fatigue and impairment in their timing and coordination, predisposing to injury.
Delayed in Recovery
Stress is also linked to impaired immune function, which can delay the recovery process for athletes. When athletes are under too much stress, their ability to repair and regenerate tissues is compromised, hindering their ability to maintain peak performance.
Impact on Sleep
Aside from maintaining a healthy diet and regular training, sleep is also an important aspect of an athlete’s performance. Mental stress, however, can lead to an athlete losing sleep, reducing their ability to react and think quickly. Lack of sleep also leads to irritability, increases the risk of making poor decisions, and may lead to anxiety and depression if left unchecked.
Athletes need to take care of their mental health as much as their physical conditioning. While healthy competition can be a motivator, the pressure to outperform the competition can sometimes be a tad too overwhelming. The men and women behind these athletes should step forward and foster balance, mental resilience, and advocate for open conversation about their struggles.
