Discover how St. Louis CITY SC hosted a game-changing event focused on mental fitness and well-being, presented by Purina and their “Tackle the Struggle” platform.
All photo credits courtesy of @TylerSmall314
Dr. Greg Young
St. Louis CITY SC recently hosted an innovative event, “Making TIME for Your Well-Being,” that redefined the conversation around mental fitness. This immersive experience, presented by Purina and guided by the club’s “Tackle the Struggle” platform, fostered a community dedicated to well-being. I was happy to attend this groundbreaking event and witness the club’s commitment to holistic health.
In a pre-event interview, Dr. Greg Young, the club’s first-ever Director of Mental Performance, emphasized the importance of “mental fitness” as an ongoing practice, akin to physical fitness. “It’s about finding little moments within the day…snackable ideas that you can just kind of put in a couple of times during the day,” he explained. This focus on small, consistent actions over sporadic efforts resonated throughout the event.
Dr. Young provided valuable insights on incorporating movement, gratitude, imagery, and environment into daily routines for optimal mental fitness. Participants were encouraged to identify which of these routines resonated most with them and to personalize their approach, recognizing that mental well-being is not one-size-fits-all.
The event also highlighted the connection between humans and animals. Dr. Julie Spears, a certified Duo Touch Therapy Dog Handler from Purina, shared how pets can reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness while boosting self-confidence. Purina’s “Puppy Grams” program, which brings therapy dogs to players, further demonstrates the organization’s commitment to mental health.
Mike Tree with the others, during the guided meditation.
A key takeaway was the concept of hedonic adaptation, the tendency to return to a baseline level of happiness even after positive experiences. Dr. Young suggested combating this by actively practicing gratitude and engaging in activities that stimulate the senses.
Attendees learned the power of imagery, using all five senses to create a mental “happy place” that can be accessed during stressful times. This technique, coupled with the calming presence of nature, was powerfully demonstrated during a guided meditation session on the field, where the surrounding environment became a canvas for mental well-being. It was a truly unique and impactful experience to meditate on the field, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The calming energy was palpable, and it created a positive environment for our mental well-beings.
My Takeaway:
As a media professional with the privilege of participating in this event, I was struck by the genuine commitment to community well-being displayed by St. Louis CITY SC’s ownership group and leadership. Their presence and participation underscored the authenticity of the club’s mission to create a positive impact on and off the field. The event solidified my understanding of the importance of personalized, consistent action, and the power of human-animal connection in fostering well-being.
My Take:
- Small, consistent actions are key to mental fitness.
- Gratitude and sensory experiences combat hedonic adaptation.
- Imagery is a powerful tool for managing stress.
- Movement, art, and nature are essential for well-being.
- Pets play a significant role in mental health.
- St. Louis CITY SC is a leader in promoting mental health, with a committed ownership group dedicated to community well-being.
This immersive experience was a testament to St. Louis CITY SC’s holistic approach to success, recognizing that mental well-being is integral to individual and team achievement. By prioritizing the mental health of its players, staff, and community, the club sets a powerful example for the sports world and beyond.
Share your thoughts! How do you prioritize mental fitness in your own life? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below or on social media using #MentalHealthMatters, #MentalFitness, #TackleTheStruggle, and #StLouisCITYSC.
Learn more about Dr. Greg Young’s work at St. Louis CITY SC
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