Your mental wellness is an important part of your total health, so be kind to yourself and each other. Get started by checking out how NBA players care for their mental health, then try a few of their go-to strategies.
Mental wellness isn’t just for game days. Here’s how NBA players keep their minds sharp to stay focused, calm, and connected — on and off the court.
"I find the best way to deal with something is to talk about it with the people I love and to have faith in God.”
Marvin Bagley III, to ESPN
How This Helps
“Being able to talk about mental wellness openly has had such an impact on me.”
DeMar DeRozan, via X
How This Helps
“The best thing that I did was to come out and say, ‘Hey, look, I need some help.’”
Kevin Love
How This Helps
“Before games, what I do is I meditate. … Take a couple minutes to breathe, close my eyes, and I think good thoughts.”
Angel McCoughtry
How This Helps
“I find the best way to deal with something is to talk about it with the people I love and to have faith in God.”
Marvin Bagley III, to ESPN
How This Helps
“Being able to talk about mental wellness openly has had such an impact on me.”
DeMar DeRozan, via X
How This Helps
“The best thing that I did was to come out and say, ‘Hey, look, I need some help.’”
Kevin Love
How This Helps
Journaling is a simple way to check in with yourself, process emotions, and stay grounded. Whether you're working through a challenge or tracking your goals, writing things down can help clear your mind and boost your focus.
What’s been on your mind lately, and how do you feel about it?
What’s one win you had today — big or small?
What’s something you’re looking forward to?
List out five things for which you’re grateful.
Write about a time when you overcame a hard emotion or experience — it doesn’t have to be sadness. How did you get through it?
Did you know journaling 15-20 minutes a day is proven to significantly reduce anxiety and improve mood? Research shows that daily writing can lead to higher levels of happiness and help you better navigate challenges and stressors.
Meditation helps you slow down and tune in. Even just a few minutes a day can reduce stress, boost focus, and improve mental clarity. It’s like a mental reset anytime you need it. Techniques like breathwork, guided visualization, and meditation can support your mental and physical well-being.
Box breathing is a simple technique that you can use to calm your nerves and regain focus. Here’s how to do it:
1
Inhale slowly for four seconds.
2
Keep your lungs full for four seconds by holding your breath.
3
Exhale slowly over four seconds.
4
Keep your lungs empty for four seconds.
5
Repeat for 1 minute.
When you’re anxious, you may find yourself breathing shallowly and quickly, which can actually increase stress. Studies show that box breathing can decrease the stress hormone cortisol, as well as help lower blood pressure.
It helps reduce tension in your body and mind by visualizing a place where you feel at peace. Give it a try:
1
Find your favorite chair, then sit back with your eyes closed.
2
Imagine a peaceful, relaxing place, such as a beach or a quiet park.
3
Place yourself in that image. Try to see and feel your surroundings as vividly as possible. For example, feel the warmth of the sun on your back, or the breeze on your skin. Imagine what each of your five senses is experiencing in that place.
Visualization meditation not only reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, but it has also been found to significantly boost motivation to achieve goals with consistent practice.
Our social connections have the power to boost our mental and physical health. Knowing that people care about you and caring about others are powerful contributors to wellness. And if you’re concerned about a family member or friend, reach out to them. Start a conversation. Show that you’re thinking about them.
The evidence is clear when it comes to the benefits of talking about your challenges with someone you trust: it reduces stress, strengthens your immune system, and decreases physical and emotional distress.
Put away your phone and other devices.
Keep relaxed eye contact and nod to encourage the speaker.
Notice and allow room for any strong emotions that may come up.
Allow the person to finish their point.
Repeat back in your own words what you heard. Ask for clarification if needed.
Starting conversations with people who may be struggling can seem daunting, but it gets easier with practice. Just “being there” for and with someone can make a tremendous impact. This interactive resource guides you through how to start the conversation with confidence and keep it moving in a helpful direction.
Start PracticingJournaling, meditation, mindfulness, and social connections can all help enhance your mental health. But sometimes, you need a little more support.
Sometimes, it’s helpful to reach out to a family member, close friend, or a confidante like a spiritual leader. There are also different kinds of professionals trained to support your mental health – whether you want to build better habits, process something tough, or just talk it out.
Want to understand the different kinds of mental health support?
If you or someone you know needs support, text TEAM to 741741 for free, confidential, and 24/7 counseling.
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Journaling gives you a place to unload your heaviest emotions, celebrate the good stuff, and discover who you truly are.
Learn this four-step approach and tackle those important conversations with the men in your life.
Discover social connection strategies to advance your community’s well-being.
