For months, every aspect of your life revolved around your sport. You spent more time with your team and coaches than with anyone else. You stayed up late wishing for a couple more hours in the day, trying to fit in everything you needed to get done. You were too tired to participate in any other on-campus activities. And now it’s all over. So what goes through an athlete's mind during their offseason?
1. Get involved in other extracurricular activities.
Whether it’s a club sport, intramurals, theater, or writing for The Odyssey take advantage of having more time in your day to explore other interests and hobbies.
2. Napping.
Sleep, rest, we both know you need it. The very first week of the off-season should be spent hibernating. Let you mind and body recover from the cardio practices and all-nighters you had to pull to get all your work done after practice.
3. Going out.
A lot of teams have a 24-hour rule, meaning going out to parties came second to your sport. Now, without limits, you can enjoy margarita Monday, tequila Tuesday, wine Wednesday, thirsty Thursday, and a whole weekend of absurdness.
4. Studying.
Remember that textbook you should have been reading this whole time, but never found the time to do so? Yeah, start reading that. You know you can improve your grades, or, at least, feel less stressed now that you’re not running from practice to tutoring sessions and then trying to turn in that online quiz.
5. Exercise.
You’re an athlete. You’ll feel better after getting some exercise. Endorphins aren’t just a myth. Getting a good lift or run in can help de-stress you even during finals week.
6. Branching out to meet new people.
It feels like the only people you spent any time within the past few months are teammates. Joining new organizations gives you the opportunity to meet some awesome NARPS (nonathletic regular people).
7. Enjoying not being sore.
Those practices when you heard, “get on the end line” really did your legs dirty. Walking to class the next day was brutal, especially when big hills were unavoidable. You hoped no one noticed you struggling through the soreness as you reassured yourself that at least your legs look fantastic.
8. Spending time with teammates.
Chances are, some of your teammates became your closest friends and you’d go crazy if you didn’t see them every day. Now, you guys can do something other than pacing your run together.
9. Your sport.
You miss it. You think about it. You’re excited to improve and begin the next season better than ever. You’re grateful you have another season to look forward to.
