Ex-athletes need physical activity for well-being. Why? Because we’ve been wired for this our entire lives. From starting off as age group athletes or running around on the playground, we have had movement and structure our entire lives. So, understanding that when the athletic process has ended there is a void that needs to be filled. Our brains have been accustomed to neurochemicals that make us feel good, relaxed, motivated, and sometimes feel unstoppable. These neurochemicals are released during play, practicing, weight training, being around our teammates, and competition. So, when the athletic journey ends these neurochemicals are reduced significantly.

The first step to regaining your feelings of wellness… move your body!  Do not talk yourself out of what 10 or 15 minutes today will do for you. If it feels like 15 minutes is a struggle you’re not alone, we all feel that way as exit athletes. But once you get your body moving, little by little, good things will happen.  Don’t start tomorrow, start today. Go for a walk, go for a jog walk, do 10 crunches, 10 air squats, 5 pushups.  What you do does not matter.  What matters is that you move your body.   Pick up the phone and call an old teammate just to say hi. They know how you’re feeling and what you’re going through.  Connecting with friend will also help your brain release and neurochemicals that will make you feel better.