Mental fatigue is a psychobiological condition caused by long periods of demanding cognitive activity, which negatively impacts physical performance. It typically develops or accumulates over a period of time in a high performance sporting environment barring an intervention of some kind, but also occurs within amateur athletes, with the combined ongoing mental pressures of work, life and the encompassing sports they participate in.

Mental Fatigue is more common than that is reported, with some significant high profile athletes recently speaking out about their experiences with it and highlighting the need for mental health to be taken even more seriously in sports

Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Kane Williamson, Julian Savea and most recently Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge have all needed time away from their respected sports to manage the condition and reset their minds and mindset.

Key indicators of mental fatigue will normally include:

- Disengagement

- Decreased motivation/enthusiasm

- Increased displays of emotion and/or withdrawal.

- Irregular concentration

- Decreased discipline

How to lighten the load:

- Keep an eye on and analyse strengths & weaknesses in your mindset and thought processes

- Assess your mental demand that you are exposed to daily in your competitive and social environments

- Talk to a coach, parent or professional to isolate the main sources of stress/load

- Re-visit short term goals to refocus

- Rest and reset

Click the link below for the RNZ article featuring Kendra Cocksedge and her struggles with mental fatigue.

https://amp.rnz.co.nz/.../5a10b667-ff23-43ad-975b…

Talking is the most effective way to share your mental load and gain perspective.