Megan McGuire - © LPGA

While one in five adults in the United States suffers from some type of mental illness, May, referred to as Mental Health Month, seeks to bring that reality to the fore in people's minds.

Since 1949, organizations like Mental Health America (MHA), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the National Council for Behavioral Health, have come together this month to support the stories of those affected by mental illness and to raise awareness of useful tools that can be used by those looking to improve or strengthen their mental health. Many entities focused on a theme throughout the month of May, including the MHA, which chose “Tools2Thrive”. According to their website, they believe the provision of practical tools is more necessary than ever, especially in the event of a global pandemic.

This is a turning point, offering new methods to inform those who want it about the different tools that can be used as part of a daily routine. For fans and amateurs alike, playing golf is often seen as a way to exercise, reflect on yourself, and focus on building mental health. But what about professional golfers? The mind is a determining factor in the result that you have to know how to master to compete each week against the best players in the world. it is the mental game that will often make the difference in the most delicate moments of the competition.

As a tool for LPGA and PGA Tour players, it is not unusual for a sports psychologist to be an attending member of a golfer's team. Many top players take this route to be in their best mental shape during their careers. For seasoned players like Alena Sharp, it is essential to continuously strengthen her game and her sanity.

“Mental health is extremely important to me, both on and off the pitch. I'm not sure it's viable to play well week after week when you're not happy with yourself ”said Sharp. “Meditation has become a part of my life and it has helped me slow down a bit. She gave me more peace ”.

As the Director of Players on the Board of Directors of the LPGA Tour, she is a role model for young players, especially those in her homeland of Canada.

"I love being a mentor for young Canadian players"said Ms. Sharp. "I like to talk to them and do my best to give them advice when I can".

Ms. Sharp said one of the best tips she's received for improving her mental golf game is simple. “It's so important to be there. You have to be in the present moment and in the process ”said Ms. Sharp. "If you are in the present, you are not focusing on the results of the previous hole or the holes to come."

One tool that she uses daily is Headspace. As of 2019, the online company has been the official provider of mental training for the LPGA, for athletes in and outside the clubhouse. It's a tool Sharp has been using since 2017, when trying to get over a bit of depression. Today, Headspace is an integral part of his life.

“I use Headspace on a daily basis, usually going on the course to be present and let go of my negative thoughts. I also use it every night to fall asleep. It's a ritual now ”said Sharp. “It is essential that I continue to work my mind while I go on the course. I have a little anxiety if I don't. I've been using it for so long that it's part of my routine now ”.

Tiffany Chan also uses the app to help her with her everyday life. In 2019, Tiffany Chan told the South China Morning Post that she was using Headspace to help her meditate the day before and the morning of the tournament for reassurance.

"I try not to control my emotions but to feel them… I try not to control my bad emotions or thoughts, but to understand them better"said Chan to the newspaper.

As the tour was halted, Ms Sharp said she also trained, ran and mountain biked to relieve her stress, which she says has helped her immensely during the COVID pandemic. -19. She still uses Headspace to be more in touch with her consciousness during this time.

"When I use Headspace I feel more relaxed and my mind is a bit calmer"said Sharp.

With the month of May, awareness of mental health comes to an end, which is more relevant than ever.

To know more : https://www.headspace.com/fr