The millennials are growing up in a world with decreasing face-to-face interactions. Millennials lack the development in vital personal skills such as empathy, connection, and mindfulness.

Multi-tasking and time spent on screens big and small, leave millennials distracted. As an athlete, being present at all times is vital to development and success.

The good thing, mindfulness can be developed. Like picking up a ground ball with your weak hand or shooting top corner, mindfulness is a skill. Mindfulness can be learned.

Below we’ve listed some ways YOU can practice MINDFULNESS:

– Practice doing ONE thing at a time. For example, read a book without your phone on your lap or on your desk.
– Be PRESENT: worry about what’s happening at the moment. For example, don’t text and walk. Just walk. Interact.
– Be PREPARED: lay your clothes out the night before, prep your meals for the week. Preparation is key. This allows less of a focus on time constraints and an increased focus on being present.
– Set your alarm earlier than you need to so you can stretch your body and your mind. Happy body, happy mind.
– Set PERSONAL, ACADEMIC and ATHLETIC goals and set steps to reach them. Goals allow you focus and get things done.
– LISTEN to your body. If you’re exhausted, rest. If your sore, ice. If your injured, take some time off. If you successfully listen to your body, you’ll be able to listen with your mind.