A Little Stress Is Good For You!

No matter what sport you play you are going to feel stressed and anxiety every now and again.

Too much stress and it can really hamper your performance, concentration and focus.

Too little stress and you will feel unmotivated and bored and will probably not give the best that you can.

So a little stress is good for you but not in large doses!

What is stress?

Stress is a feeling:

• Of overload and that you are not up for the task. You think that the task is beyond your ability.
• Of limited time. That too much is asked of you in too little time.
• That things keep getting in the way of you achieving the task at hand.

I think we all know the symptoms of stress as well!

The dryness in the mouth, the sweating, the butterflies in the stomach, your pounding heart, the worry and anxiety that you put on yourself, your nervous twitches and mannerisms.

All of the above harm peak performance and have a detrimental effect on your confidence levels.

Coping with Stress

There are a number of ways to reduce your stress levels to that optimum zone where it is actually working for you rather than against you.

Remember, we do not want to eliminate stress completely from sporting performances if you want to attain a peak state.

• Put things into perspective

You may be feeling stressed because of the sheer size of the event or its importance. Is there a significant reward at the end of it? A trophy? A League Title? Money?

You may also be feeling under the cosh and nervous because friends and family are watching and you do not want to let them down.

To deal with these feelings you need to put things into perspective.

Think of how you have got where you are. You ARE good enough or else you wouldn't be there! Think of other events much larger than yours. Think of your goals and where this event
fits in with them.

Also remember that friends and family are there to support you and cheer you on.

They will still like and love you no matter whether you do well or not. They would be more upset to think that their attendance is putting you off rather then if you don't do very well - relax - they love you. They are there for you.

With regards to rewards focus on the job in hand

• Be prepared

If a lack of uncertainty causes you to worry then get the information that will make you feel comfortable.

You may be worrying whether a key member of the opposition will be playing against you today?

You may be worrying what others think of your ability?

You might be worrying about the team instructions?

If you don't know something either ask someone or find out.

Alleviate the doubt and put some certainty into your mind about the event.

• Visualisation

Another way to relax and reduce your stress levels is to use visualisation.

Visualisation is covered in greater detail in another topic.

One method is to visualise yourself in the event performing exactly how you would like to perform. Imagine what your moves and performance would be like, imagine your successful outcome.

Another method is one of pure relaxation. Take time out to close your eyes and visualise a very tranquil place. A place where you can smell the fresh air and hear the sounds of the birds around you. Float off into this other world and relax deeply.

• Positive Thinking

Use incantations to make yourself feel more confident.

Incantations are where you say out aloud with feeling a positive saying like:

"All I need is within me now"

They are different than affirmations because they combine your physiology and nervous system as well.

Think of some affirmations yourself and when you feel a negative thought popping into your mind replace it with the incantation.

• Physical Relaxation

To relax try tightening all of your muscles for 5 seconds and then let it go - it feels wonderful and you feel much more relaxed. Try this a couple of times.

You can also try taking deep breaths to get that oxygen pumping around your body. Take in the air through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Try doing this several times.

Another effective method is to purchase a self-hypnosis tape or cd. Lie down and play the tape and let your mind wonder as your body and mind goes into a state of semi-consciousness. Whilst you are in this state you will be thinking of reducing your stress levels and successful outcomes as you will be in a peak mental state to feed your mind with goodies!

Life Coach