Mar Rovira - Winning the Journey Within - Episode #22

In this episode, I sit down with Mar Rovira — a former professional basketball player who spent 17 years on the court and is now one of the most respected sports psychologists working with elite athletes. This conversation was so real, so deep. Mar has seen both sides of this journey, and she doesn't hold back. We dive into:Her 17-year basketball career and transition into sports psychology;Why mental health wasn't accepted during her playing days — and how that's changing;The pressure athletes face to be "superheroes" and push through pain;Warning signs of mental distress: sleep issues, negative self-talk, and physical symptoms;The difference between mental toughness and mental health;How self-talk shapes performance at the highest level;Her work with "The Move"—helping retired athletes navigate life after sports;Why clubs are finally recognizing that athlete well-being = better performance.And so much more. Mar shares her unique approach to helping athletes balance high performance with psychological well-being. She emphasizes that during her playing career, sports psychology wasn't widely available — athletes were expected to push through everything. She believes that with proper mental health support, she could have achieved more titles and maintained a healthier professional life. Also, you will appreciate her story of overcoming internal battle she had after retiring from basketball. Today, while awareness is growing, the pressure remains immense. Mar explains how athletes need to recognize physiological signs (sleep disturbances, injuries, stomach issues) and cognitive signs (negative thinking patterns) that indicate they're reaching their limits.And I'm not gonna lie—this conversation felt like therapy for me, in the best way possible.📢 Guest: Mar Rovira🎧 Host: Milica Jovanović👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes where we explore the minds of top performers and the strategies that drive success in sports. *This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The content shared in this video is based on general information and personal experience, and should not be considered a substitute for professional sports psychology guidance or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified sports psychologist or mental health professional for personalized advice and support.*#WinningTheJourneyWithin #SportsPsychology #MentalGame #AthleteMindset #HealingJourney #BasketballLife