Bryant sees a need to focus on mental health in sports and society
After Tuesday's game, Kris Bryant was asked about the importance of mental health in the sports world. It's a timely subject, both with Bryant dealing with trade talk and gymnast Simone Biles choosing to sit out during the Olympics.
"It's a great question, it's a great topic and something that needs to be talked about way more in sports and life in general," Bryant said. "I'm reading about Simone Biles and it takes a lot of courage. Sometimes you've got to take care of yourself. If you're not in the same head space there's no way you should be on a stage like that, and I applaud her for that. It takes a lot of courage.
"And at the same time, for myself it's like, yeah, I'm constantly working on the mental aspect of this game and I've never even come close to mastering it or perfecting it, but it's always a challenge and always something new. Whether it's trade talk or you're stinking at playing baseball or something off the field or just a bunch of worries, or the future or the past. All that stuff pops into your head and it's just important to surround yourself with people who help you along the way.
Bryant mentioned that he tries to confront the frustrations of being a major-league hitter by using other activities to clear his mind.
"Pick up the guitar or play some video games, take your mind off it," he said. "That's kind of what I do. Chase the little guy around the house, have some chocolate cake, some ice cream. That helps, and get nine hours of sleep, wake up and have a positive attitude for the next day."
Bryant was also asked if he's getting any updates from Cubs management or his agent, finding out what rumors might be true and which ones are not.
"I haven't paid much attention to it," he said. "I don't really care to ask right now. Off-season, it was a little different, just because there was nothing going on. But I've got a ballgame tomorrow I've got to play in and I'd rather focus on that and at times it's hard, but I'm doing my best to get here and do my routine, do what I've always done and go out and try to win for the Chicago Cubs."
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