5 Items Every Swimmer Needs, According to Water Polo Star Ashleigh Johnson

Although a journal might not seem directly related to water polo, Johnson says it's a crucial aspect of her training. "I talk about the good days and the bad days, the ups and downs of training, and I just really document and reflect on my journey in my own way and in my own words," she says. "I started with this team when I was 18 and now I'm 29, so my mentality has shifted drastically over my journey as an athlete, and it's been really cool to look back and see who I was and what's stayed consistent, what's been important to me, and what's become important to me."

She believes that any athlete can benefit from this "exercise for mental wellness." It doesn't have to be a lengthy routine, either; our editors love The Five Minute Journal ($27, originally $30) for getting into the swing of things.