As the 2024 Olympics end and we transition to the 2024 Paralympics, it is clear that mindfulness is not just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer for many of the world’s top athletes.
The pressures of competing on the world stage are immense, but Olympians are turning to the same mindfulness techniques Balanced You promotes to employees: meditation, deep breathing, self-affirmation, and more. Let’s take a closer look at how some of these incredible athletes are using mindfulness to stay focused, stay calm, and stay on top of their game.
Legendary American gymnast Simone Biles has long been open about the mental health struggles that come with being an elite athlete. In Paris, Biles and team member Sunissa Lee rely on mindfulness practices and have both demonstrated pausing, breathing deeply, and whispering self-affirmations before competitions to maintain composure, so when they step onto the mat, they’re ready for anything.
And then there’s Tom Daley, the British diver who captured hearts in Tokyo not just with his performance, but with his knitting needles! While Daley notes that he takes a few moments each day to focus on breathing, his creative outlet of knitting has become an integral part of his routine, helping him stay calm and centered both in and out of the pool.
As we transition to the 2024 Paralympics, keep your eye out for mindfulness. What skills do you see athletes using to perform at their best? What skills can you bring into your work and personal life to help center yourself and achieve your goals?
Mindfulness resources for King County employees
King County offers several mindfulness resources for employees, listed below.
- On-Demand Mindfulness Videos that can be used on your own or in meetings.
- Live, interactive mindfulness classes that are free for employees and cover a range of topics.
- A mindfulness toolkit that can guide you in practicing mindfulness techniques with your team or on your own.
- Check out the Mindstream resource in Making Life Easier, now powered by Curalinc. Mindstream offers live and on-demand video and audio sessions that leverage mindfulness to help people build skills and confidence to conquer challenges and thrive.