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Sports Recovery Strategies to Avoid Burning Out at the End of the Year or Competition Season

Writer's picture: Ted BrittTed Britt

As an athlete, we all probably know the feeling of pushing too hard through our competition or on-season and feeling a bit burnt out afterwards. Or even for those of us that train as a hobby, we often don’t take consistent breaks throughout the year, meaning we might be feeling a bit flat by this time of year. The end of the year and/or competition season can be physically and mentally demanding. The accumulated stress, rigorous training, and constant competition can increase the risk of burnout. However, with strategic sports recovery techniques, you can maintain your performance and enthusiasm throughout the year. Here's how to use sports recovery to avoid burnout:


  1. Periodisation: Implement a well-structured training plan that incorporates periods of intense training with recovery phases. Periodisation allows your body to adapt and prevents overtraining, a significant contributor to burnout.

  2. Active Recovery: Incorporate active recovery days into your routine. Activities like gentle yoga, swimming, or light cycling can help keep your body active without the strain of regular training.

  3. Rest Days: Don't underestimate the power of rest. Schedule regular rest days to allow your body and mind to recuperate fully. Use this time to relax, catch up on sleep, and engage in non-athletic hobbies.

  4. Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for recovery. Ensure you're consuming enough calories to support your training load and opt for nutrient-dense foods that aid in recovery, such as lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.

  5. Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of injuries. Maintain a consistent water intake throughout the day, and consider sports drinks with electrolytes for intense training sessions.

  6. Quality Sleep: Prioritise sleep for physical and mental recovery. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a bedtime routine to promote better sleep patterns.

  7. Mental Recovery: Burnout isn't just physical; it's mental too. Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve mental resilience.

  8. Bodywork: Regular massages, chiropractic care, and physical therapy can help keep your body in peak condition and prevent injuries. These treatments can also provide relaxation and reduce muscle tension.

  9. Set Realistic Goals: Continuously reassess your goals and expectations. Be realistic about what you can achieve in a given period. Setting achievable milestones can prevent frustration and burnout.

  10. Cross-Training: Occasionally engaging in different activities to diversify your training routine can keep your training fresh and mentally stimulating, as well as prevent physical overuse by using different muscle groups in different types of workouts.

  11. Listen to Your Body: If you’re beginning to consistently feel fatigued, or you feel an overuse injury coming on, the best thing you can do is listen to your body. You don’t have to stop training altogether, but an extra rest day or two could do more than you think. Alter your training to put less load on any irritated joints or muscles.

  12. Professional Guidance: Consult with a sports psychologist or counsellor if you're struggling with mental burnout or performance anxiety. They can provide valuable strategies to overcome these challenges.


Avoiding end-of-year or post-comp season burnout requires a balanced approach to sports recovery. Periodisation, active recovery, proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, mental recovery, and bodywork are all essential components of a successful recovery strategy. By implementing these practices, you can sustain your passion and performance throughout the year, ensuring you remain in top form for upcoming competitions.

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