Whether you are playing football in middle school, high school, or college and have your heart set on going pro, there’s always been one huge barrier in your way.
Academics.
It can be hard juggling both. And on some days—it’s sure to feel downright impossible.
If you’re struggling to manage both, continue reading to learn how to best handle your time, while also giving adequate attention to both of these major elements in your life.
It doesn’t have to one or the other.
Make every practice count with the right gear like awesome football gloves
This is a no brainer, but you want to give it your all every single practice. You can do this by using some of the best equipment out there. Invest in a pair of awesome football gloves that will act and feel like a second skin while you’re on the field. Your time as an athlete is precious, and you don’t want to waste your time on mediocre gear or a subpar practice session.
Take classes you’re genuinely interested in
If you have the option of choosing your schedule, try and pick classes that you feel will genuinely help you later on in life. Studying for exams will come easier, and instead of daydreaming about being on the field, you’ll find yourself wanting to study and learn the information.
Listen to podcasts while working out
The dedicated athlete is willing to work out both on and off the field, incorporating a series of varying and useful workouts. Strength training is a must if you’re trying to improve your athletic ability. However, instead of working out to music or letting your mind wander on the treadmill, put on an informative podcast or video. This can deal with the subject matter you’re learning in class—anything from physics to history. You can also listen to a recorded lecture on repeat to solidify the information into your brain.
Find time to relax
If you don’t give yourself adequate time to rest, you may be setting yourself up for a breakdown. The human body can only sustain so much, and when you’re pushing it to the limit, making time to unwind is a must. Reserve a day or an evening on the weekend where you can put on your favorite show, relax, and not worry about school or team obligations.
Stay energized and focused with healthy foods
Fuel your body with the right foods. Constantly eating greasy junk food may drain your energy levels and put you at risk for a vitamin deficiency. As an athlete, you should be getting adequate protein and carbohydrates from nutritious sources such as whole grains, starchy roots, and fresh vegetables.
If no one is around to help you cook your meals, look into learning how to cook and meal prep healthy and filling dishes that will help you stay focused in class and during practice.
Conclusion: from awesome football gloves to eating healthy
Exceeding in school is challenging, but add three to five hour-long practices on top of your classes is an entirely different hurdle.
However, you can come out on top by following a few of these guidelines.
Purchasing a pair of awesome football gloves to help your grip is one way you can make the most out of your practices. You can also implement these tips regarding studying and self-care to the best balance of sports and academia for you.
