Football players are shaped to be performance-oriented, however not much is spoken about the toll taken on their mental health; a designer believes a fidget-like device with a massage feature may do the trick.
Fear and anxiety hound us everywhere. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or at a party with friends; you name a situation and you’ll find anxiety is shadowing you. For sportsmen, anxiety is a part of the game, with each player having their own little ritual to help them focus – we have heard about players considering throwing up good luck to even the lucky jersey, personal battles to mitigate stress are fought by everyone.
According to data shared by Professional Footballers’ Association, a huge number of players are now seeking help for mental health issues ranging from performance, competition, to acceptance. Since there is no existing product that addresses the issues governing mental health directly, Breathe, is a device designed specifically to help footballers prevent anxiety.
The handy gadget designed by Varun Anand is a fidget EDC/tool that uses buttons. The oval plastic body features soft foam material on the underside which mimics the shiatsu massage technique. The entire device works as a solution to help the user stay calm and relaxed pre and post-game, improving the player’s overall performance.
Inspired by Nike’s design language and branding, the Breathe also calms the user by delivering positive messages and storing peppermint gums within its cavity. The anxiety kit uses stimuli such as texture, feel, touch and feedback to reduce anxiety and stress, allowing players to focus. Breathe fits ergonomically in the hand and is attached to an anti-slip strap, so a footballer can use it during practice and is easier to store when not in use!
Designer: Varun Anand
