By Debbie Love
Updated March 15, 2019
In sport, the word Block is used to describe an event whether single or ongoing where an athlete cannot do a skill they once had!
We live in a world of high pressure and stress. Our bodies are bombarded by internal and external struggles to remain relevant in whatever capacity we find ourselves!When we do not handle this stress and place boundaries to keep our balance in equilibrium, we may have a Tumbling or other sport related challenge. It may also show up in our relationships, health or ability to learn!
Therefore the answer to this problem is to keep our tools of stress reduction right within us. I want to share some of these with you.
Therefore the answer to this problem is to keep our tools of stress reduction right within us. I want to share some of these with you.
1. Belly Breathing belly in first – belly out last. This fills the lungs completely with air thus giving more energy and controlling too much emotional input!
2.Go to your happy place Picture yourself where you are most calm!
3. Script your skillsWrite all skills out using short action verbs and power words.This keeps your cognitive brain working so emotions can’t come over and play and wreak havoc with your mind and body!
4. Practice progressive relaxation This is where you lie down and relax. Tense each muscle starting with your toes and move up to your fingertips, then relax going the other way so you understand the difference between a relaxed state and a tense state!
5.Visualize Visualization is used to see yourself doing skills you desire to have; usually done by closing your eyes.You can also view videos of the skill being done by yourself at an earlier time!
6. Say NO to negative thoughtsWhenever a negative thought or idea comes into your head turn it into a positive thought. Don’t allow negativity to take seed!
7. Take a break Sometimes we focus on one thing too long and our mind zones out. We need balance at all times
8.Laugh a lot! When things get so tense and you feel stressed out, read a humorous book or joke and laugh!
9. Listen to music! Music is calming and releases stress!
10. Journal Keep a journal to get rid of the thoughts in your head that need to be purged!
These are just a few tools!
When challenges come in any part of life these will help to overcome the event!A challenge is any situation that causes us to grow either physically or mentally!Challenges do not define us as people or athletes. They push our limits so we can cross boundaries!Have fun overcoming your stress challenges!