Why Olympians (And You) Need Mental Skills
Hello Champion:
Do you ever feel as though you cannot escape the stress that comes with performing at a high level?
Do you feel flustered keeping up with your busy day to day schedule?
Do you feel burnout from your busy work routine?
Athletes performing at the highest level can relate.
It is clear after watching the Olympics over the last few weeks even the best athletes in the world can benefit from mental skills. New flash - As the stage gets bigger, the pressure and stress continue to mount.
Making time to practice mediation goes a long way to reducing stress and clearing your mind of any distractions that may be looming.
Practicing meditation will help lower stress, empty your mind, and improve your connection with your inner self. This is why you have seen swimmers, track and field athletes, and other Olympians take a moment to themselves prior to their competition.
Meditation helps us concentrate on our breathing, while also maintaining focus on the practice. Whenever your mind wanders off and thinks about something else, be sure to reset your focus.
Remaining patient while mediating is crucial to getting the most out of your practice. Whether you plan to meditate for 5 minutes or 50 minutes, commit to your session each day and devote all of your attention to your practice.
Although it may seem daunting at first to clear your mind for an entire meditation session, you should not get flustered by any running thoughts you may have. Simply ignore them and return your mind to the task at hand.
“I meditate every day. I do it in the mornings for about 10 to 15 minutes. I think it’s important because it sets me up for the rest of the day.” - Kobe Bryant
Here are three tips on meditation:
Find a comfortable spot: Meditation should be done in a peaceful place where you can be alone and focus on your breathing and mind. It is important to set an intention for your practice.
Pick a time and stick to it: Consistency is key with meditation as it is with anything else in life. Find your meditation time and stick to it daily.
Stay relaxed: If you begin meditating and feel as though you cannot remain focused, do not give up! Continue to do your best and eventually you will gain more control over your practice.
Remember, stress can get the best of us if we let it. However, meditation is the perfect practice to turn your anxiety and fear into mindfulness.
The WTMG Team