If you’re an athlete and you’re beginning to notice some mental health challenges that are impacting your life and your sport, a natural question you may have is, “Should I go work with a sports psychologist?”

Right away, if you are beginning to think about working with a mental coach, then chances are pretty high the work will have a positive effect on your life.

But it’s also good to do your research. Really dig into whether or not committing the time and money required to work with a sports psychologist is necessary.

To help with your decision, here are four questions you can ask yourself:

Question #1: Have You Lost Motivation?

Do you feel dull while performing? Does the thought of getting up and going to train cause a pit in your stomach and you feel like you’re dragging a thousand tons just to pull yourself out of bed?

Losing motivation to perform can be a clear sign you should seek help from a sports psychologist.

There are many reasons why you may lose motivation; you may have had a string of bad games and simply can’t handle any more heartbreak, or maybe your coach has been getting on you lately and you don’t want to face the scrutiny.

No matter the cause, if you are currently struggling with motivation to play, working with someone will help.

Question #2: Have You Lost the Love for the Game?

Do you remember when you were a little kid and you’d rush out to the field or court? You were so excited to simply play. Because in all honesty, that’s what you were doing…you were playing.

But as you got older, more and more pressure turned playing into performing. If we’re not careful, this can easily strip away the love we used to hold so dear.

If you don’t love your sport anymore, or worse, have grown to dread and despise it, this is a good sign you should go work with a sports psychologist to help reclaim that love.

Question #3: Are You Struggling to Handle Pressure?

Pressure can come from anywhere. You may put pressure on yourself to live up to your own expectations. Or maybe the pressure you feel comes from your coaches or parents.

No matter where pressure originates, it can be difficult to manage. When you are unable to cope with the pressure you feel, it can lead to anxiety and fear, and lower your level of play.

Working with a sports psychologist will help you use pressure in a healthy way. Turning something that was a negative into something that actually helps your performance.

Question #4: Are You Playing Well in Practice?

As a mental performance coach, this is one of the main reasons I see athletes reach out to me for help. They are performing well in practice, yet, come game time, it’s as though they are a completely different person.

What this shows is that they clearly have the physical talents to succeed. The skills are there, but the execution is not. So what’s getting in the way?

There is something mentally keeping them from performing up to their potential.

When this happens, it’s a wise idea to work with a sports psychologist. They will help you identify what exactly is keeping you from performing your best in games, and work to overcome the cause.

Final Thoughts

The question of whether or not you should work on your mental game comes into the mind of a lot of athletes.

Maybe you saw something on the news about your favorite player who is working with a psychologist. Or maybe your coaches have brought the idea up to you.

If you are considering working with someone on your mental health, to get a clear idea of whether or not the work is right for you, simply ask yourself the four questions listed above.

By doing so, you will be able to decide for yourself if you should begin working with a sports psychologist.

The compounds in the cannabis plant are called cannabinoids. There are different types of cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The latter doesn’t have psychoactive properties or effects. In recent times, CBD oil has become even more popular due to its many benefits. Now, it is also recognized and used for better mental health.

You can buy it from physical or online stores selling CBD products. To find a good shop, utilize location-based searches such as CBD Stores in Orlando to find one near you. Check the websites of different stores to find one that sells good quality CBD oils.

You can consume CBD oil by swallowing it. You can also put it under your tongue and allow your body to absorb it. A doctor can better guide to about how to use and consume CBD oil for better mental health.

Here are three benefits of CBD oil for mental health.

Helps to Treat Depression

CBD oil can act as an anti-depressant. Depression is now very common. More and more people are getting diagnosed with the condition. While conventional treatment for depression may work; alternative therapies are also gaining recognition when it comes to treating the condition.

Depression is often associated with reduced levels of serotonin in the brain. CBD oil can work by impacting the serotonin that is already present in the brain. Serotonin regulates mood. Its reduced levels can make a person feel sad without any reason.

CBD oil also helps with better sleep and appetite, which may help people with depression. The condition often disturbs both sleep and appetite. It also increases stress. With the use of CBD oil, people with depression can not only better manage their condition. They can also find relief from it.

Reduces Anxiety

Anxiety can lead to not only mental health problems but also physical conditions. Undue anxiety can cause problems with the heart, digestive tract, and other organs. Anxiety can also worsen already-existing mental health conditions such as OCD and eating disorders. It can also disrupt sleep, appetite, and brain functions.

The use of CBD oil can help to reduce anxiety. It can also reduce the frequency of its occurrence.

Even those with occasional anxiety such as before an important event or presentation can use CBD oil for relief. Halting anxiety’s frequent occurrences can help prevent the onset of other disorders.

Just like depression, anxiety can also interfere with sleep and appetite. Depression can worsen anxiety. The latter can also lead to depression. Proper diet, sleep, and rest are crucial for mental health. With the use of CBD oil, you can easily keep your anxiety in check.

Strengthens Brain Functions

Aging is often the cause of neurodegenerative diseases. But even younger people can have these diseases. It all depends on the health of the brain.

Some common neurodegenerative diseases are Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, motor neuron disease, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and MS (multiple sclerosis). The use of CBD oil can keep brain functions optimal and prevent the onset of these and other neurodegenerative diseases.

For instance, ALS leads to the deterioration of nerve cells present in the spinal cord and the brain. This results in problems with muscle control. The condition only worsens with time. There is no cure for ALS. Some medicines that are FDA-approved may help alleviate the symptoms. The use of CBD oil can also help reduce the symptoms of ALS and provide relief.

CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties. So, it can help to manage pain associated with neurodegenerative diseases. For instance, Parkinson’s disease causes tremors and pain. People affected with the condition can use CBD oil to reduce pain, inflammation, and tremors associated with it. People with severe Parkinson’s disease can also suffer from hallucinations, delusions, and delirium. CBD oil may offer some relief from these symptoms.

In Closing

Mental health is no joke. Severe depression has the power to destroy lives. Severe anxiety can make even simple everyday functions difficult. Symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases can be extremely painful. The use of CBD oil can provide relief in these conditions. In fact, its use is beneficial for overall brain health. Consult with your doctor before using CBD oil for mental health benefits.