No matter how busy we are, there’s nothing more important than our health.

That was among the advice shared by Dr. Megan Cannon, Sport Performance Psychologist, who served as a keynote speaker at Marian Catholic High School Thursday afternoon.

Cannon spoke to the student body on how to establish goals and an individualized plan for developing a strong mindset that is helpful not only in sports, but in many areas of life.

She utilizes an educational and strength-based approach to assist in developing the knowledge and tools for enhancing mental strength and emotional regulation.

Cannon is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in sport psychology, and currently works with athletes at varying levels in their career.

Tackling emotional health

Cannon told Marian High students that it helps to have an MVP mindset.

She then spoke about the importance of mental health.

“It’s a real thing, guys,” Cannon said. “Life is emotional.”

Cannon shared seven tools she said they can use today, tomorrow and forever to help them tackle their emotional health.

• Be aware of how you’re feeling: Cannon said it’s important for the students to take the time to make themselves aware.

• Stop being so judgmental: Cannon told the students they need to stop judging where they’re at.

• Use your breath: Cannon had the students participate in a breathing exercise in which they took a deep breath. She noted the importance of getting as much air into their lungs as possible.

• What you control: Cannon stressed to the students that they can always control the controllable, but can never control the uncontrollable. “We can’t control the situations we are in, but we can control our response,” she said.

• Get it out: Cannon said it’s not good to hold things in.

“Having the opportunity to get it out may not resolve the situation, but it helps it get better,” she said. “Talk about it, vent about it, get it out.”

• Get your head where your feet are: Cannon reviewed the significance of our senses, such as vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch.

“Your senses are a great, great tool,” she said.

• Time for you: Cannon told the students they should try to find time each day to do something they enjoy.

“You guys have to take time for yourself,” she said. “It is valuable for our emotional health.”

Cannon re-emphasized the importance of emotional health.

“Our emotional health is just as much a priority as our physical health,” she said.

“These are the tools that will help you get there.”

Cannon said it takes more courage to admit when they’re not OK, and that it’s perfectly normal to ask for help.

“People do care,” she said. “Ask for help; you’ll be able to get it.”

About the speaker

Cannon has appeared on ESPN’s SportsCenter multiple times as an expert on sport psychology.

Along with working individually with athletes, she delivers keynote speeches at conferences, universities and high schools on sport psychology and mental health concepts and skills.

Additionally, Cannon consults with NCAA athletic departments, coaches and university counseling centers to optimize and establish resources to enhance the emotional health of student athletes.

Cannon grew up competing in swimming, softball and basketball, and was a member of the four-time district winning women’s swim team at Allentown Central Catholic High School and competed at the state level.