"I always thought that my greatest asset was not my physical ability, it was my mental ability" Bruce Jenner
How does hypnosis give you the mental edge in sports performance?
You can achieve a better performance by merging both the body and the mind to achieve harmony and help you reach your sports goals. Of course your physical workouts are vital but what gives you the advantage is using the three pounds of grey matter between your two ears. You can learn to conquer your fear, anxiety and improve your confidence by incorporating the tools and strategies to be the best athlete you can be.
What is the greatest challenge most athletes have?
Perhaps you have experienced what is known as, "Analysis paralysis" whereby you become overwhelmed with the task at hand and are overthinking each piece of your game. Sound familiar? Certified hypnotherapist Shelley Halpern can teach you to stop the, "Stinkin' thinkin' " and let your body do the job it was trained to do. Your body already knows what to do and by using the mental side of the game it can enhance the physical side.
How can imagery and visualization improve your sports performance?
By using imagery, you not only are able to see behind the mind's eye but you are able to use what is called, "Sensory recruitment" whereby you integrate all of your senses. It makes the experience much more rich and vivid and allows you to tap into the right hemisphere of the brain, the creative, intuitive side rather than being stuck in that left brain side of logic and analysis. Imagery allows you to link the two hemispheres of the brain thus enhancing your performance. By actually doing image rehearsal, you practice and condition your body to reduce the stress and anxiety, to increase concentration and put your body into homeostasis (balance).
How can parents best support their children in sports?
It is important that we allow children to keep the joy in their sport by not making practices and workouts seem like punishments. Allow your child to be well rounded and have them schedule time and activities away from their sport. Avoid over training which can result in injuries and emotional burnout. Parents, keep in mind that you can be your child's best ally or you can end up sabotaging their progress. Your children look to you and emulate your behavior. Keep things positive and support them in whatever way they need.
How can an athlete maintain a winning attitude? “If You do what you’ve always done you get what you’ve always gotten.” ~ Tony Robbins
Don't be afraid of making changes, don't get stuck in a rut. Change helps us grow and improve our performance. Focus more on improving yourself and your sport rather than on winning because what you focus on will follow. Remember, create a plan and make your goals attainable and stay positive because your mental attitude is 50% of your game!