Coach Jill Miller
If you’re reading this, know that reaching out for help and doing the work is one of the greatest exhibitions of strength.
If you’re reading this, know that hard times are a part of life; know that it’s ok to not be ok; know that at the end of darkness is light; know that reaching out for help and doing the work is one of the greatest exhibitions of strength.
Sometimes we don’t know where to start when it comes to bolstering our mental health. If you’re feeling that way, I would love to provide you with one lesson that is a foundational principle of our sport (that I believe applies to everyone regardless of athletic participation). Start with treating your sleep and nutrition with the utmost of care. These two things will give your brains and bodies the energy they need to thrive. And maybe some days you just need to start small to continue to think big. Start with setting sleep schedule or making sure you take time to nourish your body with three meals. If I know one thing about Northwestern students, it’s that you all dream BIG. Keep dreaming big and understand that accumulation of small steps is what will get you there.
Too often we don’t maintain a keen awareness that our health is comprised of the mind AND body. When someone is suffering from disease or illness, our world often comes to halt. We then seek help and make a plan. When our mental health is suffering, we instead often do our best to carry on. If you’re reading this, I hope in those moments you treat your mind just as you would your body: seek help and make a plan. When it comes to my own mental health, I think often about the quote “When you have your health, you have everything. When you do not have your health, nothing else matters.” When I insert the word “mental” before the word “health,” it encourages me to work daily to strengthen my mental health just as much I do my body.
Learning to manage stress, ask for help, and work on your mental health are some of life’s greatest lessons. If you’re still reading this: It is ok to pause. It is ok to take care of yourself. You have incredible resources here at Northwestern and I hope that you make great use of them. I hope you understand that while your schoolwork and ultimately the degree you graduate with will take you places, your health (physical and mental) will provide you the foundation needed to thrive on the journey of life.
Coach Jill Miller, Northwestern
Women’s Cross Country
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