Mindfulness
Eliminating Anxiety
Spoiler alert: it's impossible. If your goal is to eliminate anxiety or "block out" the bad thoughts, whether they are distracting or negative in nature, you're playing a losing game. This can be hard to accept for many athletes...
Causes and Consequences of Self-talk on Performance
How you think and talk to yourself is linked to how you feel and act. This may sound obvious, but it should be striking, then, to realize how much you likely talk to yourself in a way that completely forgets this notion. That's your inner critic poisoning the narrative of your mind.
Irrational Beliefs Athletes Fall Prey To
Albert Ellis is famous for conceiving irrational beliefs most, if not all, humans fall prey to during their lives. Let's examine some with the context of sports in mind; reframes will be provided below each irrational belief.
The Comparison Game
It’s human nature to compare yourself to others, particularly those in a better position than you are. Without awareness of this mental performance pitfall, it can lead you down a track that undermines your performance, mood, and ability to reach your potential.
Not All Pressure Is Equal
When the pressure is on, what exactly do you think of? Is it a high-stakes game? A scout or family in the stands? A loud and sizable crowd? Pressure comes from anything that increases the importance of performing well.
Psychological Flexibility
Psychological flexibility is a trait commonly used to describe athletes with a strong mental game. It’s something that is sought after by athletes new to their competitive career, ones who have been in it for years, and everyone in between.
Competing in the Present Moment
As an athlete, it is normal to want to constantly plan for the future, or analyze past performances.
The Use of Social Media on Youth Athletes
Social media has both positive and negative effects in our society today. It has taken over the way we consume information regarding news, politics, sports, consumer products, and technologies that are now available to the public. The majority of young people in America today probably couldn’t go a day
The Carousel of Thoughts
There’s nothing like a mind full of racing thoughts to derail your confidence mid-game. The mind is such an abstract concept on its own (after all, the brain named itself).
Emotion
This clip changed how I see sports.
Ten Ways to Transform Stress
We’d all love a relaxing, Hawaiian vacation when stress becomes difficult to bear. But is it possible to achieve relaxation without a trip to the Aloha State? Of course, it is! Try these accessible tips from MindReady Studios to develop your sense of calm within 15 minutes. 1. Breathe