2024年巴黎奧運會首次設立了「Athlete365心靈區 x Powerade」，以行動呼籲對運動員心理健康的重視。與 Powerade 合作開發，Athlete365 心靈區是一個獨特的空間，旨在通過多種正念活動，幫助運動員在緊湊的賽程中，能好好專注於心理健康，維持情緒穩定。
為照顧心理健康而生的安全空間
「Athlete365心靈區」位於奧運選手村的健身中心一樓，是一個讓運動員放鬆和充電的寧靜環境。這個創新空間提供了一系列旨在增強心理健康的活動。選手可以參加沉浸式虛擬實境（VR）正念體驗，進行感恩寫作，甚至探索其他創造性活動，如繪畫。在比賽前後，情緒最為緊繃時，這些活動特別受歡迎。
心靈區現場由 IOC 安全運動團隊的訓練有素的工作人員引導活動，並在需要時給予保密的諮商聆聽。種種設施為的是創造一個令人感到安心和被支持的環境，讓運動員可以優先考慮他們的心理健康，進而發揮自己最大的潛力。
正念的力量
研究表明，正念有助於減少焦慮、增加專注力並提高比賽準備度。「Athlete365 心靈區」推出自己的免費 App，並鼓勵運動員通過虛擬實境 VR 體驗來練習正念：調暗光線的客廳，選手們可以舒服地坐在柔軟沙發上、輕輕蓋上溫暖的毛毯，VR 裡播放的內容將指導他們進行平靜的呼吸練習和視覺化練習。深呼吸已被證明能降低體內壓力激素，搭配視覺化的冥想，已成為運動員管理壓力和情緒的有力工具。
除了VR正念，「Athlete365 心靈區」設有郵筒，鼓勵選手們寄明信片給家鄉的家人朋友，分享自己的感受、關注並紀錄旅程中執得感恩的點點滴滴，從而促進聯繫和積極性。這種源於積極心理學的練習，都能有效舒緩高度緊繃的身心狀態。
運動員的見證：改變身心的體驗
許多在巴黎參加比賽的運動員都已經將「心靈區」作為他們準備和恢復過程的不可或缺的一環。來自墨西哥的射箭運動員安娜·保拉·瓦斯克斯（Ana Paula Vázquez）表示，這個空間幫助她在女子團體賽中獲得了銅牌：
「對我來說，『心靈區』是一個令人驚嘆的地方，」
「這不僅僅是一個安靜的區域；你可以在這裡戴上VR眼鏡，進行呼吸練習來準備比賽和達到良好睡眠。這真是太神奇了，我多次去過那裡以便休息和準備。」
安娜的經歷強調了將心理健康納入訓練計劃的重要性。通過專注於正念，運動員可以利用穩定的情緒管理來提高他們在高壓情境下的表現。
支持運動員的全方位承諾
「Athlete365心靈區」是奧運委員會致力於使心理健康服務在奧運期間更易獲得的整體承諾的一部分。除了在比賽期間位於選手村的實體空間，Athlete365 平台在網路上也規劃一個專門的 #MentallyFit 板塊，運動員可以即時獲得專家建議等提升心理健康的方法，也設有心理健康熱線，由專人接住選手們的焦慮情緒。另外，鑑於網路聲量越來越大的社會，Athlete365 推出了一系列聚焦於社群媒體的線上課程，幫助選手找到紅人熱度與私人空間的平衡，避免網路上的雜音干擾自己的精神。這種對心理健康的承諾已成為國際賽事的核心之一，確保運動員擁有他們在職業生涯中茁壯成長所需的工具。
運動員福祉的新時代
「Athlete365心靈區 x Powerade」的推出標誌著奧運會重視心理健康的重大轉變。通過提供專門的正念和情感支持空間，此倡議旨在使有關心理健康的對話常態化，並減少尋求幫助的污名。這種對心理健康的重視為運動員福祉樹立了新的標準，也為未來體壇永續的表現鋪路。
展望未來，IOC 也將致力於支持 2024 年江原道冬季青年奧運會上年輕運動員的心理健康。「心靈、身體與我」體驗等計劃也將提供相關教育資源和正念活動，確保新生代選手能順利，排除阻礙地開展職涯，享受體育的刺激與美好
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Set to Conclude Perfectly: The Most Mindful Sports Event Thanks to One Hidden Highlight
The 2024 Paris Olympics have been hailed as the most mindfulness-focused sports event ever, thanks to the introduction of the Athlete365 Mind Zone x Powerade. This initiative emphasizes the importance of athletes' mental health alongside their physical prowess. Developed in collaboration with Powerade, the Athlete365 Mind Zone is a unique space that encourages athletes to focus on their mental well-being amid the intense schedule of the Games.
A Safe Space for Mental Well-Being
Located on the first floor of the Olympic Village fitness center, the Athlete365 Mind Zone provides a tranquil environment for athletes to relax and recharge. This innovative space offers a variety of activities designed to enhance mental health, including immersive Virtual Reality (VR) mindfulness experiences, gratitude writing, and creative activities like painting. These activities are particularly popular before and after events when emotions are at their peak.
The Mind Zone is guided by trained staff from the IOC Safe Sport team, who offer confidential counseling and support as needed. The aim is to create a supportive environment where athletes can prioritize their mental health and perform at their best.
The Power of Mindfulness
Research shows that mindfulness helps reduce anxiety, increase focus, and improve competition readiness. The Athlete365 Mind Zone has introduced its free app and encourages athletes to practice mindfulness through VR experiences. Sitting comfortably on soft sofas and covered with warm blankets, athletes are guided through calming breathing exercises and visualizations. Deep breathing has been proven to lower stress hormone levels, and when combined with visualization meditation, it becomes a powerful tool for managing stress and emotions.
In addition to VR mindfulness, the Athlete365 Mind Zone features a mailbox where athletes can send postcards to family and friends back home. This practice, rooted in positive psychology, helps athletes express gratitude and share their journey's highlights, promoting connection and positivity.
Athletes' Testimonials: A Transformative Experience
Many athletes competing in Paris have made the Mind Zone an integral part of their preparation and recovery process. Ana Paula Vázquez, an archer from Mexico, credits the space with helping her achieve a bronze medal in the women's team event. "For me, the Mind Zone is an incredible place," she says. "It's not just a quiet area; you can wear VR goggles, do breathing exercises to prepare for competition, and achieve good sleep. It's amazing, and I've been there many times to rest and prepare."
Ana's experience underscores the importance of integrating mental health into training plans. By focusing on mindfulness, athletes can harness emotional stability to enhance their performance under pressure.
Comprehensive Support for Athletes
The Athlete365 Mind Zone is part of a broader commitment by the IOC and Powerade to make mental health services more accessible during the Olympics. Beyond the physical space in the Olympic Village, the Athlete365 platform offers a dedicated #MentallyFit section online, where athletes can access expert advice and mental health support methods. There is also a mental health hotline staffed by professionals to help athletes manage anxiety.
Recognizing the growing influence of social media, Athlete365 has launched a series of online courses focused on balancing public presence with personal space, helping athletes navigate the digital noise. This commitment to mental health extends beyond the competition, ensuring athletes have the tools they need to thrive throughout their careers.
A New Era for Athlete Well-Being
The introduction of the Athlete365 Mind Zone x Powerade marks a significant shift in how mental health is prioritized at the Olympics. By providing dedicated spaces for mindfulness and emotional support, this initiative aims to normalize conversations around mental health and reduce the stigma of seeking help. This focus on mental well-being sets a new standard for athlete welfare and paves the way for sustainable performance in sports.
Looking ahead, the IOC is committed to supporting young athletes' mental health at the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games. Programs like "Mind, Body, and Me" will provide educational resources and mindfulness activities, ensuring the next generation of athletes can pursue their careers without obstacles, enjoying the excitement and beauty of sports.
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