Spring 2020 Issue One

Page 46

MIND & BODY

The Effects of Boredom on the Athlete’s Brain Story by Emily Messall | Photos by Kassanra Eller Design by Eric Stum & Sara Roach

‘I’m bored!’ rings throughout the house as you yell to your parents in desperation for something to entertain you. Your mom responds, ‘Go outside!’ which is starting to become routine these days. The solution to boredom isn’t that easy for athletes who are missing their sport and their team. Due to the state-mandated stay-at-home order, boredom has become common for a lot of students. Boredom is something most, if not all, college students are familiar with, but it can be extra difficult for athletes to find ways to keep themselves busy.

Mental & Physical Challenges

46

SPRING 2020 | ISSUE ONE

Almost every life event comes with some kind of effect on a college student’s mental health, especially during a time when you can’t be around your friends and maybe even your family. For Cole Zarcone, fifth year Information Technology and Administrative Management major and rugby player, being away from his sport and his team has started to affect his mental health. “Rugby is my time to have fun and get away from the craziness of life, so not having that everyday has been hard,” says Zarcone. “Not being around my teammates and coaches is hard, but I’m just doing my best to keep myself on track towards success.” For many student-athletes, a team can be like a second family and this can make it even more challenging to be away from those people they have built such a strong bond with. Luckily for CWU athletes, Head Men’s Rugby Coach Todd Thornley has full confidence in the


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