How Pregame Meditation Helped J.J. McCarthy Win A National Championship

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

In the competitive arena of college football, J.J. McCarthy, Michigan’s standout quarterback, champions a critical yet often overlooked aspect of athleticism: mental wellness. McCarthy’s pregame meditation routine, practiced three hours before games, has boosted his on-field performance, pivotal in the Michigan Wolverines’ victory over the Washington Huskies in the 2024 College Football National Championship on January 8th.

"When I feel like I'm not in the right headspace or I'm thinking too far in the future or the past, I really just focus on my breath and that starts to connect me to the present moment." @jjmccarthy09

Our Voices » https://t.co/dPBFics4cr pic.twitter.com/G4Zx05MjHG
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) October 10, 2023

McCarthy’s meditation practices reveal a link between mental health and peak performance beyond the world of sports, offering insights for professionals in today’s fast-paced workplace.

Pressed for time? Here’s a quick summary…

McCarthy’s meditation journey: Amidst a battle with depression, J.J. McCarthy adopted a daily 30 to 40-minute meditation practice, supporting his mental well-being in the competitive sports arena.
Meditation benefits: Meditation improves emotional regulation, focus, stress management, attention, and decision-making.
Workplace application: Implementing regular meditation sessions, mindfulness training, and wellness rooms in the workplace aids employees in stress management and maintaining mental health, boosting overall performance.

Meditation: McCarthy’s Mental Edge

In high school, as a rising athlete battling depression, J.J. McCarthy turned to meditation. His daily practice, lasting 30 to 40 minutes and often accompanied by the calming tunes of Bob Marley, helped him confront the pressures of his sport with a calm, centered mind. This routine has been instrumental in maintaining well-being in the competitive world of sports, highlighting the role of mental composure for peak performance in demanding situations.

“I just kept stemming further and further away from myself and my true nature, and I feel like I was in a deep rut for about a month or two and I was like something has got to change. This is not who I am. I started looking up different practices to help improve mental health, and meditation was the first one that kept popping up. I just gave it a try, and then the rest was history.”

 – J.J. McCarthy, American football quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines –

Scientific Perspective On Meditation

Mental health and sports psychology experts agree that meditation offers significant benefits, including improved:

Emotional regulation
Focus
Stress management
Cognitive functions, such as attention and decision-making

McCarthy’s case illustrates the tangible impacts of meditation. Mindfulness can be transformative in maintaining mental balance in high-stress environments, from sports fields to workplaces.

Application In Workplace Wellness Programs

In today’s demanding work environment, employees often face pressures similar to those of elite athletes like J.J. McCarthy. Integrating mindfulness practices into the workplace provides employees with the tools to manage daily stressors and improve well-being. Organizations can introduce initiatives such as:

Regular meditation sessions
Mindfulness training programs
Wellness rooms for relaxation and reflection

By incorporating these initiatives, employees can mirror the mental strength found in top-tier athletes, contributing to a more productive and resilient workplace.