Jason Kelce’s Relaxation Techniques: Unwinding After a Grueling NFL Season
As the center for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jason Kelce plays one of the most physically demanding positions in football. During the NFL season, he is constantly battling against 300-pound defensive linemen on every play. The pounding his body takes week after week is immense. After such a grueling schedule, Kelce surely employs a variety of relaxation techniques to help unwind and recharge his body and mind.
Physical relaxation methods are key for Kelce to reduce soreness and speed up his recovery process. One technique he likely utilizes is deep tissue massage. After a game, his muscles are tight and aching from the constant blocking and hitting. A sports massage therapist can target these problem areas and loosen up the tight knots. Deep pressure is applied to work out lactic acid build up and reduce inflammation. This helps Kelce feel less sore and mobile for the next week of practice.
Foam rolling is another self-myotherapy technique that Kelce may use. Foam rollers come in various densities to target different muscle groups. By rolling out tight areas like his quads, hamstrings, glutes, and back, Kelce can improve flexibility and range of motion. The pressure from the roller breaks up fascia adhesions in the muscles to relieve tension. This allows Kelce to recover faster and prevent future injuries from muscular imbalances.
Stretching is a must for any NFL athlete, and Kelce surely incorporates gentle stretching into his post-game routine. Static stretches target specific muscle groups to improve flexibility. Dynamic stretches like leg swings also prepare the body for high-intensity activity. Proper stretching prevents injuries by allowing full range of motion in the joints. It also reduces lactic acid build up and muscle soreness. With his busy schedule, stretching provides Kelce an easy way to relax his body wherever he is.
Ice baths are another recovery method that top athletes like Kelce utilize. Immediately after games and tough practices, soaking in an ice bath for 10-15 minutes helps reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. The cold temperature causes the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, which decreases swelling and blood flow to injured areas. It also decreases pain sensation by numbing the nerves. Icing promotes faster healing so Kelce can bounce back quicker for the next week.
On recovery days, Kelce may spend time in an infrared sauna to relax his muscles and improve circulation. The deep heat therapy increases blood flow and helps flush out lactic acid and toxins from overworked muscles. It promotes sweating to lower body temperature and relieve tension. The negative ions released also have anti-inflammatory effects. Overall, sweating in the sauna has stress-reducing benefits and aids Kelce’s physical recovery process.
While physical relaxation is important, mental relaxation techniques are also key for Kelce to unwind and recharge his mind. Meditation is a practice he likely incorporates. Sitting quietly and focusing on deep breathing can help clear his mind of stresses and worries. Apps provide guided meditations on reducing anxiety, improving focus, and promoting restful sleep. Even 5-10 minutes a day of meditation has benefits like lowered stress hormone levels and blood pressure for Kelce.
Yoga is another full-body relaxation technique that blends physical poses with breathing exercises and mindfulness. Certain restorative yoga poses allow the body to fully release tension while focusing internally. Child’s pose and corpse pose are examples that decompress the spine and relieve tight muscles. Deep breathing during sun salutations and warrior poses provide oxygen to the brain for mental clarity. The combination of movement, breathwork, and presence in the moment promotes relaxation and stress relief for Kelce.
Reading is a simple way for Kelce to unwind mentally after a long week. Curling up with a good book transports him to another world and takes his mind off football. Magazines, newspapers or ebooks on his tablet provide short mental breaks throughout the day. The distraction improves mood and reduces rumination. For Kelce, reading is a relaxing escape that doesn’t require much energy.
Listening to music is another low-effort activity that soothes both Kelce’s body and mind. He likely has playlists tailored for different moods – upbeat songs for the gym and mellow acoustic tunes for relaxation. Music stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin to improve his mood. It also reduces cortisol levels to lower stress and anxiety. For Kelce, throwing on some headphones is an easy way to unwind anywhere.
Social support from loved ones is vital for mental well-being. Kelce is surely close with his wife and children, who provide unconditional love and emotional support. Spending quality time with family and friends improves mood by reducing loneliness and boosting oxytocin levels. Laughing and sharing experiences together is relaxing for Kelce in a way that disconnecting from technology cannot be. Their presence reminds him of what’s truly important outside of football.
Aside from recovery techniques, Kelce enjoys various hobbies and activities to unwind from the stresses of his NFL career. Playing video games is a fun escape that fully engages his mind. Games provide interactive mental challenges or relaxing virtual worlds to disappear into. They improve mood through social interaction, accomplishments, and generated dopamine. For Kelce, gaming is an engaging way to relax without using much physical energy.
Watching movies or TV shows transports Kelce to fictional worlds outside of his own. Comedies make him laugh while action/adventure stories provide excitement. Sitcoms and dramas develop relationships with characters over time. Distracting entertainment improves his mood and reduces stress. Kelce can unwind passively while still engaging mentally. Binge watching a new series gives him something to look forward to on off days.
Nature has many relaxing benefits that Kelce likely takes advantage of. Going for walks outside improves both physical and mental health. Being in natural environments reduces stress, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Green spaces boost mood-enhancing serotonin and dopamine too. Kelce may walk trails near his home to appreciate scenery, get fresh air, and clear his head. The physical activity is also low impact to aid recovery.
Cooking is a mindful, creative activity that Kelce enjoys as a hobby. In the kitchen, he can try new recipes, experiment with ingredients, and develop culinary skills. The process of meal prep improves focus and distracts from worries. Successfully creating dishes releases dopamine and boosts self-esteem. For Kelce, cooking likely provides a grounding, therapeutic escape from football. Enjoying home-cooked meals with family and friends is also relaxing.
Specifically for Kelce, playing the drums is a passion that provides mental relaxation. As an avid drummer, he surely has a full kit at home for unwinding. Drumming engages both sides of the brain for a full-body, immersive experience. It improves mood, reduces anxiety and stress, and allows full expression. For Kelce, drumming is a fun creative outlet to get lost in the rhythm. Jamming with musician friends must be very therapeutic as well.
Traveling is another favorite hobby of Kelce’s that helps him recharge. Exploring new cities, states, and countries expands his perspective and relieves football stresses. Experiencing diverse cultures, cuisines, landscapes and activities stimulates the mind. The change of scenery improves mood and prevents burnout. For Kelce, travel planning and adventures provide excitement and relaxation. Making memories with loved ones on trips creates lasting happiness too.
While these are just some possibilities for how Kelce relaxes, the most important thing is finding activities that work for each individual. Not all techniques will benefit everyone equally due to differences in personality, lifestyle and interests. The key is experimenting to discover relaxing hobbies, whether active or passive, social or solo, that truly recharge one’s mind and body. Making self-care a priority is vital for managing stress in any demanding career field. With his diverse interests and support system, Kelce surely has a well-rounded recovery toolbox to stay at the top of his game.
