Stressed Out? How Athletes Can Stay Strong Through the Pressure

In this episode of The Elite Athlete Podcast, Dr. Nicole Tatro dives into one of the most overlooked challenges for athletes—stress. While we often focus on physical performance, recovery, and nutrition, managing stress plays an essential role in overall health and athletic success. And here’s the kicker: your body doesn’t know the difference between physical and mental stress. Whether it’s intense practices, travel schedules, or school deadlines, they all impact the body in similar ways—leaving athletes drained, overwhelmed, and vulnerable to injury or illness if not managed properly. Dr. Nicole explains how stress triggers the fight, flight, or freeze response in the autonomic nervous system, which is great if you’re being chased by a lion—but not so helpful when you’re trying to stay healthy and perform your best. Chronic stress disrupts everything from digestion and recovery to immune function and sleep, making it critical to address both mental and physical stressors for long-term success. In this episode, Dr. Nicole shares insights into how Bowenwork, a gentle manual release technique, helps calm the nervous system and restore balance. She also talks about the hidden stressors athletes face—like mineral depletion and low-grade infections—and how regular bloodwork can reveal what’s really going on inside. Looking for practical takeaways? Dr. Nicole gives five actionable steps that you can start implementing today to better manage stress, optimize recovery, and protect your health. 💥 Five Key Takeaways from the Episode: Stick to a consistent sleep schedule (even on weekends) to support your body’s natural rhythm. Avoid energy bars and quick fixes—fuel your body with whole foods to sustain energy and recovery. Get morning sunlight to reset your internal clock and improve your sleep cycle. Use recovery techniques like contrast baths, breathwork, and Bowenwork to reset your nervous system. Practice box breathing to manage stress and activate your parasympathetic system for calm and focus. Dr. Nicole also teases an exciting new product she’s introducing soon for athletes—a game-changing hydration and performance drink for use during practices and games. Be sure to stay tuned for more details! If stress is starting to creep into your routine, now is the perfect time to check out the Starter Kits, including the Stress Buster Kit, available at www.the-eliteathlete.com. Scroll down to the program section to explore all three kits and find the right fit for you. And don’t forget to grab the FREE Game Day Fuel Guide while you’re there. Stay ahead of the game and take control of your health—because thriving under stress is possible when you have the right tools and support. Listen to the full episode now, and let’s take control of stress together.