Train with Purpose, Recover with Intention
- Megan Monfredi
- Aug 21
- 2 min read
Tips from Coach Megan, Mental Performance Coach at Psych Me Up Consulting
Mental Recovery: The Missing Piece in Your Training Plan
Off days and recovery days are built into training programs to help your body recharge, repair, and prepare for the next round of training. But what’s often overlooked is that your brain needs just as much—if not more—intentional recovery as your body does.
After a tough practice, when your body is sore and fatigued, you might take an ice bath, eat a high-protein meal, or get physical treatment to recover. You do these things to train with purpose and show up at your best the next day. So why wouldn’t you do the same for your mind?
Ask Yourself:
How are you intentionally recovering your mind?Do you allow yourself to truly unplug from your sport? Or are you mentally stuck in game mode even when you're away from the gym, field, or track?
It's easy to tie your identity too closely to your sport. But the truth is—you’re a person who does a sport, not just an athlete 24/7. When you’re physically away from training, your mind deserves a break too.
Mental Recovery Ideas:
Here are a few simple ways to recharge your mind outside of training:
Spend time with family
Connect with friends
Nurture a hobby you enjoy
Read for fun
Listen to Podcasts
Go on walks
Learn something new (like cooking or painting)
Watch a favorite movie or show
Whatever you enjoy outside of your sport, lean into it! These activities help you reset mentally so that when it’s time to train, you’re not only rested but also motivated and focused.
Protect Your Energy
If you spend all your non-training time still mentally consumed by your sport, you’re using up valuable mental energy that you’ll need when it matters most. Try creating boundaries—when you leave practice, leave the thoughts there too. You can always pick them back up tomorrow.
Loop in your support system. Let them know you’re working on giving your brain a break and welcome conversations that aren’t centered around your sport.
Intentional recovery—both physical and mental—is key to performing with purpose. Make it a habit, and your training will thank you.
Megan Monfredi, M.S.
Mental Performance Coach
Psych Me Up Consulting