In this episode, we kick off Season 6 with Daya Alexander Grant, Ph.D., CMPC, neuroscientist, yoga teacher, and co-founder of Mindful Sports Collective, as she explores the critical role of mental health in sports. In this episode, Daya delves into the science of stress management, recovery, and building resilience, offering practical tools for navigating life's challenges with clarity and calm. She emphasizes that sports should focus on developing children as humans, not just athletes, highlighting the importance of emotional well-being alongside physical performance.

Daya discusses her work with an online meditation community for athletes, which fosters accountability and community, helping them cultivate essential mental skills. She shares valuable techniques like journaling, positive self-talk, and breathwork to help athletes stay present and get out of their heads. Daya also offers advice for parents, suggesting simple but impactful ways to support their children—express love and support before games, and give them the space to process their emotions afterward.

In this episode, you'll hear from Daya about:

• Why developing children as whole individuals, not just athletes, should be the goal of youth sports
• The importance of accountability and community for athletes' mental health
• How techniques such as journaling, positive self-talk, and breathwork can help athletes stay focused
• Practical advice for parents on supporting their young athletes with love and understanding

Tune in for an insightful conversation that emphasizes the power of mental health and mindfulness in youth sports.

Daya is offering listeners one month free for Mindful Sports Collective, her online meditation community for athletes: https://mindfulsportscollective.mn.co/plans/420651?bundle_token=9e0f084ba33b8ac1d4182c50b5937906&utm_source=manual

Ways to connect with Daya:

www.dayagrant.com

Instagram: @dr.dayagrant