Mapping the Journey: Establishing routines of wellness for youth athletes and why they matter.
Lindsey Ervin, MS, LPC, LPCC | Owner & Founder, KSP Mental Performance
In sports, repetition creates skill and builds muscle memory. The same is true for athlete wellness. Young athletes thrive when they build routines that strengthen not just their bodies, but their minds and overall well-being. That’s why we emphasize the principle of Human First Athlete Always™—reminding athletes, parents, and coaches that caring for the whole person fuels performance, resilience, and longevity in sport.
Wellness routines don’t have to be complicated. A weekly mental performance lesson or skill, practiced consistently, creates protective habits that buffer stress and prevent burnout. When athletes “habit stack” wellness—linking it to something they already do, like stretching after practice, winding down on Sunday evenings, or journaling before bed—the routine becomes natural. Over time, these practices build what we call “wellness memory”, the ability to return to confidence, focus, and balance even when pressures rise.
And wellness isn’t just about lessons or skill work. Rest is also a vital part of an athlete’s routine. Adequate sleep, intentional downtime, and recovery days remind athletes that their value extends beyond performance. These moments of rest restore energy and allow both the brain and body to consolidate learning, regulate emotions, and prepare for future challenges.
When athletes commit to wellness routines—whether mental skills training, rest, or reflection—they set themselves up not only to succeed in competition but to thrive as human beings. That is the heartbeat of Human First Athlete Always™: strong athletes, even stronger humans.
3 Wellness Routines Every Youth Athlete Needs:
A consistent weekly mental performance practice.
Intentional rest and recovery time.
Reflection or journaling to process challenges and growth.
The results: Simple routines. Lasting resilience. Human First Athlete Always™. Interested in our weekly mental performance programs? Reach out to us to schedule a consultation.
