Wellness in Action: A D1 Baseball Player’s Guide to Staying Healthy On and Off the Field

Being a Division 1 (D1) athlete is an incredible accomplishment, but it comes with a lot of pressure—both physically and mentally. From intense training sessions to academic responsibilities, athletes must carefully manage their physical, mental, and emotional health to perform at their best. I recently had the chance to sit down with a D1 baseball player, Miles Garrett, to discuss how he prioritizes wellness, stays resilient through challenges, and ensures his long-term health both on and off the field. Miles is a promising right-handed pitcher whose impressive amateur career has set the stage for his collegiate success. He started his baseball career at Vanderbilt University and is currently at Virginia Commonwealth University. 

 

Staying Physically Well During a Demanding Season

For athletes, recovery isn’t just about bouncing back from injuries—it’s about staying ahead of them. When I asked Miles about his physical wellness routine, he emphasized the importance of maintaining balance throughout the season.

“I take vitamins, I work out regularly, and I’m very active with extracurricular activities,” he explained, highlighting how crucial it is to care for his body after intense games and practices.

Sleep also plays a huge role in his routine. Without enough rest, it’s tough to stay focused and perform at his best. “Sleep is a high priority for me because I demand so much from my body at least six days a week,” he said, describing how good quality sleep keeps him energized and sharp.

And of course, nutrition is key. Like many athletes, he has a specific approach to fueling his body. “I don’t follow a strict diet, but I’ve been eating foods high in carbs and protein lately to help me gain weight,” he shared. This shows how a balanced diet is crucial not just for physical health, but also for mental clarity.

 

Handling Injuries: A Mindset Shift

Injuries are part of the game, but they don’t just affect the body—they can take a toll mentally, too. When I asked Miles how he handles them, he spoke about the importance of staying mentally strong through the recovery process.

“Injuries are harder to deal with mentally than physically. It’s tough being required to take time off and not being able to compete,” he reflected, emphasizing that mental wellness is just as important as physical recovery.

His goal is to come back stronger, both physically and mentally, and his approach to wellness plays a big part in making that happen.

 

Mental Wellness: Mindfulness in Action

With all the pressure to perform at a high level, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I was curious how Miles manages the mental side of the game, and he opened up about using mindfulness techniques to stay grounded.

“I simplify things as much as possible. I eliminate outside factors and focus on controlling what I can inside the game,” he explained. This mindset helps him stay calm and focused, even during high-stress moments.

And when it comes to burnout—which every athlete faces at some point—he has a go-to plan for recharging. “I just reset and visualize what I am supposed to feel, do, etc. I have to slow down the game mentally,” he said, sharing how he balances the intensity of the sport with mental recovery.

 

Balancing Life On and Off the Field

Being a student-athlete means juggling academics, training, and personal life. It’s a lot to handle, and stress can build up quickly if you’re not careful. When I asked how he manages it all, Miles emphasized the importance of emotional wellness and finding ways to manage stress.

“Managing time is the hardest thing to do at this level. Because it is so limited, where I spend my time is crucial, and I do not take it lightly,” he shared, illustrating how staying organized and making time for self-care helps him stay on top of everything.

But wellness isn’t just about physical health—it’s a holistic approach that includes mental and emotional well-being. “I try to keep my days as consistent as possible so I don’t have to think about my day as I’m going through it. It becomes second nature so my mental state can remain stable,” he explained.

 

Self-Care and Long-Term Wellness

Self-care is a big part of Miles's routine. Whether it’s yoga, stretching, or other wellness activities, he uses these practices to prevent burnout and maintain flexibility. “I incorporate these self-care routines daily,” he said, showing how these habits help him physically and mentally.

Looking ahead, wellness will remain a priority for him. “I want to work out for as long as I can; I like being in shape,” he shared, highlighting how he plans to carry these habits with him beyond his collegiate career.

 

Advice for Aspiring Athletes

Before we wrapped up, I asked Miles what advice he’d give to younger athletes who are looking to follow in his footsteps. His response was simple but powerful: “Don’t view your performance or past performances from a results standpoint; chase the progression and the process, not the product. The process makes the product feel so much better.”

 

 

My conversation with Miles gave me an introspective look into how he approaches wellness in every aspect of his life. It is a great reminder that success, either on or off the field, isn’t just about hard work—it’s about taking care of yourself as a whole. From his recovery to mindset, balanced lifestyle to self-care, Garrett’s thoughts are a true testament to living well as an athlete and as a person.