Taking Care of Yourself

  • April 06, 2020

Tips and tricks for staying mentally & physically fit during COVID-19

For many of you reading this, you are coaches and/or administrators who rely on a consistent routine for practices and training. With schools and gyms closed, and sports organizations making the right call to suspend in-person events, many of you are left without your hobbies, passions and livelihood. Regardless of what is happening in your life right now, know that the CAO is here for you.

So, we’ve done some research and put together some key tips and tricks to help you manage your physical and emotional well-being during this difficult time.

It’s okay to be worried.

‘Anxiety is a normal response to the current situation, says Tina Montreuil, assistant professor in the department of educational and counselling psychology at McGill University. And some of us may have a harder time coping than others, she says, since our usual freedoms and a lot of the control we typically have are restricted as schools, gyms, bars and workplaces close.’ – The Globe and Mail

For more information on managing anxiety during COVID-19, click HERE.

Monitor your mental health.

With these unprecedented times, it can be easy to feel down and feel isolated and alone. Even under normal circumstances, coaches are known for putting other’s needs ahead of their own! By nature, most coaches prioritize looking after those around them, so during a time of extreme stress, like right now, it’s even more important that they carve out time to care for themselves.

Talk to loved ones. Talk to friends. Talk to mental health professionals. There is ample mental health support available online and over the phone to help you during this time. Here are some available resources:

Free apps/platforms to communicate with friends and family:

  • WhatsApp – Fast, simple, messaging, calling and video. (Android, iPhone, Mac or Windows PC)
  • Facebook Messenger – Be together, whenever. A simple way to text, video chat and plan things all in one place.
  • Skype – Skype makes it easy to stay in touch. Calls, chats and conferences of up to 50 people.
  • Facetime (IOS) – You can use FaceTime over Wi-Fi1 or over cellular on supported iOS or iPadOS devices.

The Coaches Association of Ontario advises that you utilize caution when downloading or installing any app or program on your device. The CAO is not responsible for any and all costs, claims, expenses, demands, actions, causes of action, and any liability for damages to property howsoever caused arising out of or in any way related to third-party software.

Incorporate physical exercise when you can.

While going to practice and a gym is no longer an option, it is vital to maintain some sort of physical exercise at this time. Not only is it important for your physical health, but releasing endorphins (the happy hormones) can assist with staying mentally and physically fit. When you can, take a walk – either solo or with those in your immediate household, and change up your scenery, while still being mindful of keeping a distance from others.

For more information on free home workouts during COVID-19, click HERE.

The Coaches Association of Ontario advises that you utilize caution when downloading or installing any app or program on your device. The CAO is not responsible for any and all costs, claims, expenses, demands, actions, causes of action, and any liability for damages to property howsoever caused arising out of or in any way related to third-party software.

Utilize resources available to you.

For those administrators or coaches with a business, you can visit The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to see what funding and support are available for your specific needs.

For those who lost their income due to COVID-19, you can visit Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan page to see what funding and support are available for your specific needs.

For reliable and accurate updates on the outbreak, please visit the Government of Canada’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update

Check out your provincial public health authorities COVID-19 info: www.ontario.ca/coronavirus

For more information on COVID-19: Awareness Resources, click HERE.

Looking for ways to support your athletes?

Check out our newest article with tips and tricks to support your athletes during this time.

Supporting Your Athletes

The CAO continues to provide remote NCCP learning opportunities at this time.
To find out more about available classes, please click HERE.

Need more support? Let us know! Fill out our Support Through COVID-19 form to let us know how we can help. You can find that HERE.  

If you would like to reach out to CAO directly, you can contact info@coachesontario.ca.

Remote NCCP learning opportunities