Your mental health is as important as your physical fitness

In these challenging times caused by the COVID-19 virus, the FOOTBALLERS AND ALLIED WORKERS UNION OF ZAMBIA (FAWUZ) is an organization that supports services for players that includes free and confidential advice about their wellbeing.

FAWUZ have a clear message for its members: Players mental health is as important as their physical fitness.

Some players are struggling with fears about the future, some have financial worries at a time when clubs are seeking to defer their pay, or release them.

Players could be stressed about money as clubs want to reduce salaries that affect their family, their household and financial commitments. They are also worried about their future: will I still have a job? ‘Such worries combined with news about the coronavirus pandemic can have an effect on the metal behavior of the players.  

 We encourage players if they are feeling worried it is so important that they talk to someone about how they are feeling, whether that is simply a chat with a friend or seeking out clinical help, it is one of the ways to help their minds from being stressed.

In this error of technology communication is one of the key factors we have and our phones have probably never been more important as they are now, to allow us to still have human and social interaction.

                                                HOME WORK

• Self-training: create more time to excises as an individual to keep your body and mind fit.

• Spend more time with your family: by watching movies, playing games etc.

• Avoid online story about COVID-19: rather keep yourself safe by following all the health guidelines

• Keep in touch with your teammates using different social media platforms

• It’s good to chat, but sometimes pick up the phone and talk to each to know how your friend is doing.

                                              “It’s all about serving”