Wellness Tips with Olympian Thomas Barr

After a very challenging year filled with uncertainty and stress, it’s more important than ever to take care of our health, both physically and mentally, and find ways to keep ourselves motivated. Irish Life Health have always been a great resource for providing information and assets to those who need it, whether it’s through the MyLife App, the Couch Counsellor series or with the Healthy Minds programme. I’ve previously partnered with Irish Life Health, so I’m thrilled to be able to provide some insight on how I stay positive, healthy and motivated.

Find a Workout Friend to Stay Motivated

As a track athlete I compete as an individual but what keeps me motivated during tough sessions is working out with my training group. It is one of the things that keeps me going. Sessions on my own are much tougher. On those days when you are not particularly in the mood for a workout having a workout friend will mean you firstly feel obliged to turnup and then you also get more out of yourself than expected. Having company makes such a difference to the enjoyment levels too, the chats and laughs on the warm-up or in between sets can make it all go much quicker! However, if you’re training on your own, a great motivation tool is the Irish Life MyLife app with its AI coach that encourages you to set goals around body, mind and lifestyle. It’s a great alternative if you sometimes like to train alone, but still want the motivation of having someone with you.

Switch-off so you can be more switched on

We all need to recharge our batteries and we can’t have the engine running at 100% all the time. On the track as a 400m hurdler I can only focus on clearing one hurdle at time. I need to be very present and find that if I think too far ahead, I will make an error. That is my approach as an athlete, I am focused on what is in front of me, taking each training session and competition as it comes. I would recommend having a hobby that focuses your mind and helps you to switch off. In my spare time, I tinker away with cars, it helps me to destress from my day job as an elite athlete. I am fully focused on the task. I completely lose track of time when I am working in my garage. It is like a form of meditation for me.

Have Fun!

I have learned a lot about myself competing over the years at the top level and representing Ireland at European, World and Olympic Games. I have learned to trust in my team and just enjoy it. I know to produce my best; I need to be in a relaxed state of mind. I do not stress, it is pointless. At championships, I control everything that I can control. I have a pre-race ritual that gives me a sense of reassurance and really helps me to stay relaxed. I also enjoy the process as much as the outcome, travelling all around the world representing my country, meeting new people, racing in fantastic stadiums (hopefully soon to be packed again with spectators). 

These are the tricks that work for me and help to keep me motivated and calm in tense situations – but it’s important to find what works for yourself. The Irish Life Health blog offers a wide range of great articles with health and wellness experts that can help you find a routine to suit your lifestyle. I encourage everyone to check out their offerings and see what helps them!