Jay Kennedy, MS, LMSW
Joycelyn (Jay) Kennedy is an Athletes for Hope Athlete Mental Health Research Fellow. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Ph.D. student in Kinesiology and Health at Georgia State University.
Sports injury prevention is about more than avoiding physical setbacks, it’s about caring for the whole athlete. Injuries can disrupt training and performance, but they can also affect confidence, stress levels, and mental wellbeing. While not every injury can be prevented, many result from overuse, fatigue, poor preparation, or pushing through pain. Training smarter means being intentional about how the body is prepared, supported, and allowed to recover.
Many injuries develop gradually rather than from a single moment. Skipping warm-ups, ignoring early pain, or training while mentally and physically exhausted increases risk. Proper preparation, strength and stability training, and sound technique help protect the body, but recovery is just as important. Rest, sleep, hydration, and nutrition allow the body to heal and adapt, while listening to discomfort early can prevent long-term injury.
Mental health also plays a key role in injury prevention. High stress, pressure to perform, and burnout can reduce focus and body awareness. Creating supportive environments that value communication, balance, and rest helps athletes protect both their physical health and mental wellbeing. When prevention is part of daily practice, athletes are better equipped to stay healthy, perform consistently, and sustain long-term success in sport.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, athletes can reduce injury risk by focusing on a few key habits:
- Train with balance and intention by combining cardiovascular exercise, strength training, flexibility, and proper technique while alternating muscle groups.
- Prioritize recovery and hydration through adequate rest, quality sleep, cooling down properly, and drinking enough water.
- Listen to your body by resting when tired or in pain, using proper equipment, and completing full rehabilitation before returning to intense activity.
For more tips on preventing sports injuries and keeping your body strong and healthy, visit the John Hopkins Medicine. Also for more resources and information on athlete mental health please visit our center, AFH Center for Athlete Wellbeing.
References
Haugen, E. (2022). Athlete mental health & psychological impact of sport injury. Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine, 30(1), 150898. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otsm.2022.150898
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Preventing sports injuries. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/sports-injuries/preventing-sports-injuries