Do You Actually Have Broken Bones Or A Broken Mind? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Do You Actually Have Broken Bones Or A Broken Mind?

Physical injuries often take the form of mental demons which prevent us from being the best version of ourselves. I wanted to share my experience of one such incident to promote the importance of mental well being.

145
Do You Actually Have Broken Bones Or A Broken Mind?

On average, 8.6 million Americans get injured playing sports annually.

Sports injuries often leave athletes demotivated and distressed. Injuries majorly affect mental composure and physical well-being. A long-term injury can often leave athletes miles behind their game, strength, and speed.

Recently, I suffered from a ligament injury on my ankle while playing football. It took me a month to recover and half a month more to start playing and working out again. The next time I played was horrific and mentally disturbing. My game had worsened by a bigger margin than I had previously expected. My legs were much weaker and I continuously struggled to match my previous speed and stamina. I was being overpowered by strikers and forwards who exploited my new-found weaknesses. I was physically struggling, but the grueling experience had left me weak mentally.

When I got back from sports and took my shirt off, I had a bigger shock. My body was not in a great state. I had lost weight, muscle mass due to the month I spent on a desk instead of at the gym because of my ankle. My shoulders formed a slight curve and were hunching forward. This landed a huge blow on my confidence. I was ashamed to take my shirt off to go for a swim, I was afraid to hold the ball during football practice in fear of messing up. I just wasted my time reminiscing about my physique rather than actually doing anything about it.

This loss of faith and confidence was the single most factor that was preventing me from meeting my goals. However, this changed when I got to know about Petr Čech, a professional footballer for the Czech Republic, who was involved in a nasty collision which left him with a depressed skull fracture, a life-threatening injury. But in spite of all odds, through sheer determination and hard work, Čech came back from the injury. He continues playing and has four Premier League titles to his name.

After reading about this incident, I felt extremely stupid for being bogged down by such an insignificant injury. In five days, I was up and lifting weights again. I started individual football and cross-country training with a major confidence boost. After wasting two months, I was finally showing signs of improvement in my game. I started working hard in the gym to regain my fitness levels.

Its been two months to the injury and I am continuing my improvement. It gets grueling and frustrating at times but Čech has influenced me to rise above silly expectations and to look at the bigger picture because two years down the line this ligament injury would be nothing but a slight inconvenience.

This experience has taught me that an individual's mental well being is as important as his physical well being. It is important to not let the fear of inferiority bog down the confidence that flows within me. It is important to not give up due to the minor bumps on the road to heaven. Confidence and determination are the most important driving factor in humans, they never let anyone down.

"It's imperative to challenge yourself to see a better yourself."
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

129112
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

29337
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

27164
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments