Wellness
Tart cherry juice, blue light glasses, and other self-care tips from Team USA Volleyball.
And thats without the pressure of Olympic glory hanging in the balance.
I caught up with Team USA Volleyball after they beat France 3-0 in the preliminary round on Aug. 4.
How, I wanted to know, do they keep themselves feeling their best, both physically and mentally?
Being able to calm down from big moments, that translates both on and off the court.
Theres a key theme for me, she says.
Easy to say, harder to actually achieve.
Im not going to gatekeep here are their best tips.
The athlete also practices deep breathing.
She pairs her breathwork with visualization: What do I look like on the court?
What do I feel like?
Where are my eyes?
These techniques can have a major impact.
Having these together allows me to go out on the court and be free, she says.
But she also incorporates a more unusual practice.
Tart cherry juice before bed keeps my sleep quality high, she says.
Take An Ice Bath
Ice baths really help with sleep, Poulter says.
The actual research, however, is mixed.
A2021 studyof male athletes found that frigid dunks promote sleep, contradicting a2013 studyof cyclists.
But hey, if it works, it works.
Track Your Sleep
A less chilly hack for better slumber?
Robinson Cook calls her Oura ring a game-changer.
The smart ring tracks sleep (as well as stress and fitness) and offers personalized recommendations for improvements.
Im really seeing what Im actually sleeping within a night, Robinson Cook says.
I could [feel] asleep for 10 hours, but am I actually asleep for eight?
As soon as [Im awake], I dont like to linger in bed, Robinson Cook says.
No distractions, just kind of being present with myself before the day gets going, Robinson Cook says.
Poulter also says that being really intentional with her phone use keeps her sharp.
These accessories are thought to prevent eye strain and improve sleep.
Again, althougha lack of scientific evidencesupports those theories, many people report that the glasses really do work.
We really do need to unwind and rest, says Robinson Cook.
And as for Poulter?
Refilling my cup with loved ones outside of the gym allows me to show up 100%.
