Post Competition Blues...

For almost all competitors, competing in a figure competition is one of the most rewarding and challenging events of your life. However, after the competition is over, many athletes find themselves in a depressed state and in constant battle to regain control.

After training so intensely for so long and being on such a strict diet, it is hard to find balance between normalcy and extreme training.

Fortunately there are some ways in order to beat the blues.. By Re-examining your priorities, you can go back to why you truly love working out. Almost everyone enjoys the break from the intense workout and strict diet... and then it lasts so long that you lost your sense of direction. So ask yourself why did/do I train? Health? Strength? Appearance? Personal satisfaction? Really question yourself about what makes you head to the gym. What makes you want to select healthy foods over junk? What makes you prioritize the gym over relaxing at home? Decide why you want to train, and then set personal goals. Give yourself a reasonable time period in which to acomplish your goals.

As for the diet, it is now challenging because there is no reason behind it. Unfortunately, junk food is everywhere. It's much easier to cave and say "yes" then it is hold back from the candy and say "no." Once you set your training goals, nutritional discipline tends to fall into place.

In the end, it takes small steps to get back into the swing of things. Ultimately you have to remember not to be too hard on yourself and to set realistic goals.