3 health and wellness tips to enhance your performance

By Ashton Henderson | Posted 2/24/2016

Athletes work hard to be great in their sports, but they sometimes forget the importance of taking care of their bodies.

Healthy eating habits, adequate sleep and proper hydration are like making sure a car has fuel. If you do not fuel your body with essential vitamins and nutrients, you are welcoming toxins that will slow down performance.

Even after having left the game, I continuously strive to stay active and remain in shape. My competitive edge will never leave me, but it takes more effort and longer hours to remain fit as age and time demands grow.

Here are three tips to learn now that will help you enhance your performance to be a well-rounded student-athlete and person throughout life.

Developing healthy eating habits

I vividly remember finishing workouts in high school and college, then running to Domino’s or McDonalds to fill up on greasy food. Although at the time it seemed like this was not affecting my performance, my body was deteriorating every day because of the poor choices I was making. It was something I could not recognize until much later.

Remember, you are what you eat, so make sure to eat healthy and make the right choices in order to perform at a high level daily.

Getting adequate sleep

College life is busy. Between football, school work and a social life, staying up until 3 or 4 a.m. is something I did quite frequently.

If you need to pull a late night, make sure it is for the right reason.

Sometimes, we get caught up in pop culture watching TV and occupying our time with other things. However, it is imperative to take the time to get rest to be at your best. Sleep is a lost art for many but essential to maximize full potential academically and athletically.

Proper hydration

Many athletes rely on soft drinks, but nothing beats water to remain hydrated throughout the day. Sports drinks are fine right after workouts as well.

Hydration is not something you can do in the hours before game day. It’s a lifestyle habit that needs to be part of an everyday routine for athletes.

It is vital that you take care of your body to perform at your best. Apply these three principles to be successful in your pursuit of excellence, and practice these habits when you transition into college.

Practice healthy habits, and you will reap the benefits.

Work hard. Be great.

Ashton Henderson was a four year letterman at defensive back for Michigan State University as well as a honor student and co-author with former teammate Travis Key of “Beyond The Gridiron: How to successfully transition into collegiate football,” a detailed account of what it takes to be a Division I college football player and successful in life. To learn more about their mission and purchase your copy today, visit: www.beyondthegridironllc.com.

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