Mental PBs: How Athletes Are Training Their Minds Like Their Bodies

You track your pace. Count your reps. Push for the next physical personal best.
But what about your mental PBs?

The quiet wins - staying calm under pressure, bouncing back after a rough session, or showing up when your motivation’s tanked. They’re just as important, but we don’t always talk about them.

That needs to change.

Why Mental Fitness Matters Now

Over the last few years, we’ve seen a shift. Athletes at every level - from student teams to Olympic pros - are starting to speak out. About burnout. About performance anxiety. About the quiet toll of looking strong on the outside while struggling inside.

In sport, and life, we celebrate strength, speed, endurance. But mental resilience? Still seen as a bonus, not a core skill.

And yet, nearly half of UK varsity athletes show signs of mental distress. That’s not about burnout from a bad day. That’s about a pattern - of pressure, perfectionism, and not enough space to process it.

The sharpest athletes know: success isn’t just about pushing harder. It’s about recovering smarter, thinking clearer, and managing the internal noise that can derail even the strongest bodies.

Mind Gains: What Mental PBs Actually Look Like

They don’t show up on a leaderboard.
You won’t see them in your stats.
But they do make the difference between quitting and continuing.

Mental PBs sound like:

• “I didn’t panic this time.”
• “I stopped comparing myself mid-session.”
• “I gave myself rest without guilt.”
• “I showed up - even when it felt off.”

This is real progress. Just harder to screenshot.

How to Train Your Mind (Without a PhD in Psychology)

No rigid routines. No complicated techniques.
Just tools that help you feel more in control, focused, and able to bounce back.

Here’s how to support your inner game - on your terms:

1. Be present (without the pressure)
Mindfulness doesn’t need incense or an app. Try grounding yourself before a session: notice your breath, your feet on the ground, your muscles waking up. It helps reduce distractions and steady your focus.

2. Visualise the win
Mental rehearsal primes your brain to do better. Before a challenge, picture it going well - what it looks like, how it feels, what you’ll do if it wobbles. It’s not fluff - it’s how your nervous system gets familiar with success.

3. Check your self-talk
Your inner voice is your most persistent coach. Train it to be useful. Swap “I’m rubbish at this” with “This is hard, but I’m still going.” That simple shift helps regulate stress and build resilience.

4. Prioritise mental rest
Recovery isn’t just for muscles. Your brain needs off-time too. Not just sleep, but true, intentional pauses. No stimulation. No goals. Just rest. That’s when repair happens.

5. Build a support circle
Connection is underrated performance fuel. Whether it’s your training circle, a mate who gets it, or someone who’ll remind you to not go all-or-nothing - it matters. We’re not meant to do it alone.

CHILL Picks: Support For Your Inner Game

At CHILL, we’re here for the whole you - not just the “gym you”.

When your nervous system’s fried or your mind won’t switch off, here are a few tools that can help:

• For the post-session overwhelm: Mind Spa™ Body & Bath Oil by Clarity Blend Aromatherapy → With essential oils like lavender and bergamot to soothe the senses and signal your brain to slow down.
  

• For when life feels a bit much: Calm Blend by Blooming Blends → A herbal tincture designed to help ease the mind when stress levels rise.
  

• For the mid-afternoon slump (or Sunday scaries): Choc-O-Shroom by QuirkyMonkey → Raw cacao + adaptogenic mushrooms + Maca for a cosy moment with functional benefits.
  

• For brain fog and scattered thoughts: Organic Brahmi by Fushi → An adaptogen known to support cognitive function, clarity, and focus over time.
  

• For when you need comfort (and calm): Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder by Pius Vita Superfoods →  A warming spice known for its comforting flavour and natural anti-inflammatory support.

These aren’t quick fixes - they’re daily allies to help you train the mental side of your wellness, gently and consistently.

Progress Isn’t Always Measurable - But It’s Always Worth It

You don’t need to be the calmest, most focused, most grounded person in the room.
You just need support that fits your life - and meets you where you are.

At CHILL, we’re not here for the hype or the hustle. Just tools, ideas, and small shifts that help you feel more like you - in training and in life.

Your next PB might not be faster. It might just feel better.