ABOUT THIS EPISODE
The start of a new school year brings excitement, new goals, and a lot for student athletes to balance. Between classes, homework, practices, competition, relationships, and recovery, it can quickly feel like athletes are simply trying to survive each week.
In this episode, Cognelite founder Jess Hanson and mental performance consultant Kiley Smith discuss how athletes can build realistic habits and routines that support both performance and overall wellbeing. They explore how to turn big goals into small, repeatable actions, prioritize intentional practice over simply doing more, protect sleep and recovery, create healthier boundaries with screens, and return to routines without judgment when life gets in the way.
Jess and Kiley also share practical ideas for morning, pre-practice, homework, and evening routines, along with ways parents can provide structure, encourage independence, praise the process, and recognize when their athlete may be carrying too much.
Whether you’re an athlete navigating a packed schedule or a parent wondering how to help, this episode offers practical strategies for making the school year feel more manageable, intentional, and sustainable.
Interested in helping your athlete build stronger mental skills, healthier routines, and greater confidence? Learn more about one-on-one mental performance training or support for your team or organization at cognelite.net.
cognelite.net | info@cognelite.net | @cognelite
