Happiness Journal for Athletes: Can It Fix Mental Health in Youth Sports? Featuring Insights from Michelle Leagans
Welcome to Beyond the StEPS
In the world of youth sports, the focus is usually on winning, skill improvement, and physical conditioning. But what about mental health? As the conversation around mental wellness gains traction, more athletes, coaches, and parents are exploring ways to support the emotional side of sports. One surprising tool that's gaining popularity is journaling.
Michelle Leagans, a dance educator and author of Hey Dancers, Let's Talk About It, believes that journaling can make a big impact. In a recent interview, she shared her insights on how a simple practice like writing in a journal can help young athletes process their emotions, build resilience, and find joy in their sport.
Why Journaling?
Journaling is more than just jotting down your thoughts; it’s a way to unpack the overwhelming emotions that come with competitive sports. According to Michelle, many young athletes are taught to push through physical pain but are rarely given tools to manage their mental and emotional struggles. That’s where journaling steps in as a powerful practice.
When athletes take time to reflect on their experiences, they can better understand their emotions and work through challenges. "If you can start younger, it won't be overwhelming later in your life," Michelle explains. Developing a journaling habit early helps athletes build a healthy outlet for their thoughts and feelings, making it easier for them to handle the highs and lows of sports.
Starting with Prompts
For many athletes, the idea of journaling can be daunting, especially when faced with a blank page. That’s why Michelle designed her book with guided prompts. Instead of simply telling athletes to write about their day, her book asks specific questions like, *Why do you love to dance?* or *What motivates you during tough practices?*
These prompts serve as a starting point, making journaling less intimidating. It’s about providing a structured way to reflect, which can be particularly helpful for younger athletes who might not know where to begin. "I have dancers who show me their entries, and they’re really proud of what they’ve written," she shares. "It’s the coolest thing because it shows they’re starting to process their thoughts in a healthy way."
How Can Parents Support?
While coaches and educators can introduce journaling, parents play a vital role in encouraging this practice at home. Michelle notes that the reactions from parents vary—some are thrilled about the idea of their child journaling, while others are more skeptical. However, she emphasizes that journaling should be seen as a form of mental health support, just as important as any physical training.
Parents who shift their focus from the outcome (like winning or losing) to their child’s daily experiences and emotions can help prevent burnout. Encouraging journaling can open the door to meaningful conversations about their child’s feelings, making the experience of sports more enriching and less about the pressure to succeed.
How Often Should Athletes Journal?
When it comes to the frequency of journaling, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Michelle suggests starting with a weekly practice, especially for younger athletes. "Set aside Sunday nights as a time to journal," she recommends. This way, it becomes a relaxing, reflective activity rather than another chore on their to-do list.
The goal is to make journaling a positive habit—something athletes look forward to. Daily journaling can be overwhelming, even for adults, so starting with once a week is a great way to ease into the practice.
A Simple Exercise: The Pep Talk
If you’re looking to dip your toes into journaling, Michelle suggests a simple exercise: write yourself a pep talk. Think about what you’d want someone to say to you on a tough day, and write those words down. Whenever you’re feeling low or doubting yourself, pull out this pep talk and read it to remind yourself why you’re great.
This exercise is a fantastic way to build self-confidence and resilience. It’s a quick, easy way to start a journaling habit that can have a big impact on your mental well-being.
Beyond the Trophy
Michelle’s approach to journaling is all about shifting the focus from external rewards, like trophies or medals, to internal growth. "It’s not about the trophy; it’s about the relationships and everything you build along the way," she says. By encouraging athletes to reflect on their journey, journaling helps them appreciate the process and learn from both their victories and setbacks.
Her book, Hey Dancers, Let's Talk About It, is filled with prompts on topics ranging from burnout and bullying to body image and motivation. It’s a valuable resource for dancers, coaches, and parents who want to support their young athletes’ mental health in a meaningful way.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re interested in exploring journaling as a mental health tool for young athletes, start with a simple practice. Set aside a quiet moment each week for reflection, and don’t be afraid to use prompts to get the thoughts flowing. And if you’re looking for a more structured approach, Michelle’s book is a great place to start.
In a world where the pressure to win can sometimes overshadow the joy of the sport, journaling offers a way to reconnect with what truly matters—personal growth, mental well-being, and the love of the game. So grab a notebook and pen, and give it a try. You might be surprised by the impact it has, not just on your performance, but on your overall happiness as well.
Ready to start your journaling journey? Check out Michelle Leagans’ book, “Hey Dancers, Let's Talk About It”, available on Amazon. And for more mental health resources, consider taking the free Beyond the Steps course to deepen your understanding of mental wellness in sports.
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Happiness Journal for Athletes: Can It Fix Mental Health in Youth Sports? Featuring Insights from Michelle Leagans
For those new to Beyond the Steps, this is a weekly video series available on YouTube and Facebook every Friday. Each episode features a special guest, and we dive deep into one important question related to health and wellness for performance athletes. These conversations are thought-provoking, backed by evidence-based research, and meant to inspire growth—because when you know better, you do better! We’re kicking off Season 5, but you can catch up on Seasons 1-4 on YouTube and Facebook at Apolla Performance and TP Dance Creations. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!
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