CJ Stander Urges People To Support Each Other During Lockdown

In the latest Tackle Your Feelings campaign from Rugby Players Ireland he talks about the support he received when he moved to Ireland and how important it was for him to be able to open up to team mates and coaches.

Shortlisted for the Guinness Six Nations Player of the Tournement (vote here), Stander is encouraging people to rally around their loved ones and support one another, especially as we must now stay at home once again, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

#TackleYourFeelings

“I’m taking control.” 🙌 💚@CJStander is the latest player to join the @RugbyPlayersIRE #TackleYourFeelings campaign ⤵️#ShoulderToShoulder #IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/Q5py7JUp1N

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 3, 2020

First launched by Rugby Players Ireland in 2016 and funded by Zurich & the Z Zurich Foundation, Tackle Your Feelings today announces the Tackle Your Feelings Pro add-on as part of the #ImTakingControl campaign which encourages people to ‘Take Control’ of their mental wellbeing using principles from both sport and positive psychology.

TYF (Tackle Your Feelings) Pro is an add on to the existing Tackle Your Feelings App and has been designed specifically for members of Rugby Players Ireland.

Through TYF Pro, Players will be able to access sections that cover resources unique to the rugby playing environment: injury, transition and managing life in a high-performance arena are included as well as the existing TYF resources to help maintain their positive mental wellbeing.

TYF Pro aims to support the RPI player development programme by pooling a multitude of resources in one easily accessible place and provides information on contacting both internal (to RPI) and external resources for additional advice and information.

The TYF app encourages people to be proactive about their mental wellbeing, with the research revealing that less than half the people on the island of Ireland (48%) don’t actively manage their mental wellbeing as part of their daily routine.

Users can choose the Tackle Your Feelings resources they feel they need at the time. The app and website also feature sections on Relationships, Confidence, Happiness/Sadness, Sleep, Self-Care, Resilience, Anger, Relaxation, Optimism & Self-Awareness. It also has a mindfulness section where users can select from several mindfulness exercises.

The TYF app encourages people to be proactive about their mental wellbeing, with the research revealing that less than half the people on the island of Ireland (48%) don’t actively manage their mental wellbeing as part of their daily routine.

Users can choose the Tackle Your Feelings resources they feel they need at the time. The app and website also feature sections on Relationships, Confidence, Happiness/Sadness, Sleep, Self-Care, Resilience, Anger, Relaxation, Optimism & Self-Awareness. It also has a mindfulness section where users can select from several mindfulness exercises.

Tackle Your Feelings ambassador, CJ Stander – Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Commenting on the #ImtakingControl campaign, Ireland and Munster Rugby Player & Tackle Your Feelings ambassador CJ Stander said: “It’s great to be training and playing rugby again after such a long time without it. I understand that rugby players are the lucky ones. I’m hoping that my story will help people as they try to cope with the next few weeks of lockdown.

It is important, not just for rugby players, but for everyone to rally around each other during this frustrating and troubling time. When I first moved to Ireland, my wife, coaches, teammates and local community made the transition so much easier.

Talking to loved ones and friends, even on the phone, about how you’re feeling can make them more aware of what you’re going through and, ultimately, that can only be helpful.”