Vitalija Smirnovaitė’s Post

As we watch and celebrate the summer Olympics, check out this article from Parents that puts the spotlight on mental health and the role that trained coaches play in supporting youth. The article recognizes the important work of the Million Coaches Challenge and features the examples set by athletes Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka. As a proud member of this cohort, Girls on the Run understands the importance of equipping coaches with trainings that empower them to support emotionally safe environments and create positive youth outcomes. The Million Coaches Challenge furthers the work of Girls on the Run to change what it means to be a coach by giving girls the confidence to succeed beyond the finish line! #MillionCoachesChallenge #SusanCrownExchange #GirlsOnTheRun #Olympics #Paris2024 #RoadToParis2024

🌎The global rise in the significance of sports and skills has led to several positive outcomes, especially in terms of mental health. 🦸For children, actively participating in sports not only enhances their physical well-being but also plays a crucial role in their cognitive and emotional development. 🧚💇Through sports, children learn important life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and leadership. 🌹Moreover, engaging in physical activity helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins and improving overall mood. 😀Additionally, achieving success in sports boosts self-esteem and confidence levels, which are essential factors in maintaining good mental health. ✨Overall, the combination of physical activity, skill development, and social interaction in sports contributes significantly to the mental well-being of individuals, particularly children. #global #sports #development #children #skills #physical #leadership #mental #health#activity follow me#Muhammad _Rashid

Inactivity and Poor Mental Well-Being: I unfortunately hear, see, and read that it's a big global issue. That's why I'm taking action! With Mind Power, I tackle mental health and inactivity in one program. I want to help our youth and enable them to experience the happiness that sport has brought me. Watch the video and read the post for more info! 🎥 As a sports lover, PE teacher, and IOC Young Leader, I really believe in the power of sport. The benefits of an active lifestyle have been repeatedly demonstrated, and I believe sport (and positive psychology) can be a key to solving many issues. 🏃♂️🧠 What do you think is the key to mental health issues and inactivity? In the video, you’ll see how I try to tackle these issues. You'll learn about my passion for sport, how it all began, why I believe it's crucial for us to address these challenges together, and the development of Mind Power. You'll also get a glimpse of a session I conducted in New Zealand, and soon I'll be sharing more photos and information from the program. Currently, my 4-week program on Aruba (Caribbean Island) is up and running, which is really exciting. Before I wrap up this post, a big thank you: To the International Olympic Committee – IOC Young Leaders Programme and Panasonic for this incredible opportunity. And ofcourse a Thank You to Arrowtown School in New Zealand for making it possible to film the session. 🙏 Interested in bringing a Mind Power program to your community, school, or organization? Or looking to collaborate in a different way? Please reach out! Together, we can make a difference. #IOCYoungLeader #MentalHealth #SportForGood #LetsMove #PositivePsychologie #MentalWellBeing #SportAndMentalHealth #TeamWork #MindPower #PositiveMindThroughSport #MentalHealthMatters #StrongerTogether #Olympism365

Paris Olympics are leading the way to provide the mental health resources for competitors, recognizing the toll extreme competition takes on such aspirants. Closer home, a close parallel in academics is the journey of aspirants of high stakes entrance exams (like JEE, NEET) or professional (UPSC, CA etc). They go through the journey without not just availability of this support but also awareness of their need for support and how they can proactively develop psychological strength. Over the last 2+ we at PeakMind.in have been fortunate to touch a large number of such lives and make a difference in their journey. But it is a long way to go. Demolishing taboos is a major step to remove a big barrier to achieve #ZeroStudentSuicides. Paris Olympics is also helping bring this topic into mainstream. https://lnkd.in/d5iEAA-v #Mentalhealth #JEE #NEET #Olympics #Students

🌟 Reflecting on Mental Health in Professional Sports 🌟 I came across a story yesterday about a professional rugby player stepping back from his national team due to mental health challenges. It got me thinking... 🤔 Do we have enough support for mental health in professional sports?  Are some sports more pressured or difficult to navigate?  Is it the same across the UK Nations?  Do we need to be doing more of this at grassroots level? Is it all about the pressure of high-level performance? Are we too focused on results and not enough on the individual behind the athlete? How can we better support our athletes? What changes need to happen so they can thrive in their sport without feeling overwhelmed? Let’s start a conversation about prioritising mental well-being alongside performance. After all, a healthy mind leads to a stronger game! 💪 I support young people and adults alike in amateur and professional sports with mental health and performance but certainly don’t have all the answers - I’d I love to hear your thoughts. #MentalHealth #Sports #Wellbeing #SupportAthletes

Supporting Youth Athletes' Mental Health: Key Tips for Coaches As youth sports leaders, we have a significant role in shaping the mental health and well-being of our young athletes. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Essential tips to create a supportive environment: 1️⃣ Cultivate a Safe Space for Communication 🗣️ Encourage openness and make players feel comfortable discussing their feelings. 2️⃣ Destigmatize Mental Health 💬 Lead open conversations about mental health and conduct regular check-ins. 3️⃣ Ensure Training is Developmentally Appropriate 🏃♂️ Avoid overtraining and provide ample recovery time to prevent burnout. 4️⃣ Help Players Respond to Stressors in Healthy Ways 🧘♀️ Suggest coping mechanisms like meditation, yoga, and therapy. 5️⃣ Teach Skills that Promote Resilience and Self-Compassion 💪 Encourage a balanced lifestyle, constructive evaluation of setbacks, and a growth mindset. 6️⃣ Offer Mental Health Days from Practice 🛌 Recognize the importance of rest and allow for mental health days. Make a positive impact on our young athletes' lives both on and off the field! #YouthSports #Sportsbiz #LinkedInSports #Kids #Parents #MentalHealth https://lnkd.in/ehuCpewj

Igniting Change, Inspiring Impact In today’s fast-paced world, many young athletes are facing immense pressure—not just physically but mentally. As a former athlete, I’ve witnessed firsthand how challenges on the court or field often translate to struggles off it. It’s not just about winning games; it’s about maintaining mental strength, balancing life, and prioritizing well-being. This is where organizations like EduAid Africa are stepping in. By providing mentorship and building a supportive community, we’re empowering young people to tackle mental health challenges head-on. The work we do goes beyond coaching sports; it’s about shaping resilient minds for the future. Through workshops, discussions, and real-life stories, EduAid is fostering an environment where students can thrive, learn, and grow holistically. It's a movement that not only helps them excel in their sport but equips them with the tools to face life's toughest challenges. Every day, we are proving that by focusing on both physical and mental health, we can create champions not just in sports, but in life. Let's keep making an impact and shaping the next generation of leaders. 💪 #MentalHealthMatters #EduAidAfrica #EmpowerTheFuture #ResilientMinds #GameChangers

We are stoked to welcome Coach Jess for her first time at Camp FYR! Coach Jess is a Professor in Sport Psychology and Health and Wellness Promotion. When not at home in Colorado Springs, she travels nationally teaching coaches and athletes about mental health and wellness in sport. Q: Why do you support FYR? A: Resilience is critical for fostering mental wellness in the future young leaders of our communities. Q: Why are you volunteering your time to help at Camp FYR? A: To support the growth and development of young athletes to become successful and thriving leaders. Q: What are some things you want to achieve in the near future and in the long term? How do you plan to make these goals happen? A: In the short term, I want to support as many athletes and coaches as possible nationally with the tools to build resilience and mental wellness. In the long term, I aim to change the culture of sport to prioritize mental health and wellness and athlete well-being. I plan to achieve this by continuing to share my time and passion through teaching and mentoring, and by creating innovative resilience curricula that reduce the stigma of mental health in sport and help reduce the number of mental health crises athletes and coaches experience. Q: If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why? A: I would want to be able to teleport so I could quickly travel to many different places each week to meet and connect with people from diverse backgrounds and see the many wonders of the world. #MeetTheCoaches #CampFYR

Mental Health in Sports: A Crucial Conversation Olympic champion Adam Peaty recently opened up about his struggles with mental health, highlighting a critical issue that many athletes face. His story is a powerful reminder that mental well-being is just as important as physical health. In the high-pressure world of competitive sports, athletes often face immense stress, both during their careers and especially in the transition to life after sports. This is where Athlete Transition Accelerator become invaluable. At ATA we provide crucial support for athletes, helping them navigate the challenging shift from active competition to new career paths, ensuring they have the resources and guidance to maintain their mental and emotional well-being. Adam's courage in sharing his story underscores the need for comprehensive mental health support systems in sports. Let's continue to champion these conversations and prioritise the well-being of our athletes. #MentalHealth #AthleteWellbeing #AthleteTransition #SupportOurAthletes #athletetransitionaccelerator