Most of us see cravings as a sign of weakness, something we need to overcome to maintain good health or our ideal weight. But cravings can actually be a good thing if we know how to interpret them.

As athletes, we train our bodies for hours each week seeking a competitive edge—but we often neglect our minds. Meditation, in the simplest of terms, is one approach to training your brain. Living more mindfully in our fast-paced society can help you with everything from performing better during training and racing to simply decompressing with greater relaxation for improved recovery.