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In the fast-paced world of sports, the focus is often on physical prowess and athletic achievements. However, an integral aspect of peak performance often goes unnoticed: mental wellness. The mindful athlete understands that success is not solely determined by physical abilities but also by nurturing a healthy mind. By incorporating mindfulness practices into their training and competition routines, athletes can unlock their full potential and achieve personal and professional success. The power of the visualisation process followed by an elite athlete before a high-octane clash goes always under the radar and we coaches emphasise the same to our athletes during our highly intense training sessions.
One key aspect of mindfulness in sports is breath awareness. By focusing on their breath, athletes can ground themselves, calm their minds, and regulate their emotions. This can be particularly beneficial during high-pressure situations, where the ability to maintain composure is crucial. Taking a few conscious breaths before a critical play or competition helps athletes centre themselves and perform with clarity and precision. Similarly, Eye exercises during the warm-up sessions are designed specifically to make sure that the athlete's mind is in an equilibrium state to weather the storm on the field and in turn enable them at their optimum best.
Additionally, practising self-compassion is vital for mental wellness in sports. Athletes often face immense pressure, both internally and externally, to achieve perfection. They create a supportive inner dialogue by treating themselves with kindness and understanding. This self-compassion fosters a healthy mindset and helps athletes maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with disappointments.
As a High-Performance Coach, We always ask our athletes to keep this in mind as their core principle which is mentioned and taught to us in our LTAD (Long-term Athlete Development ) framework classes to empower our athletes in a better way:
Don't forget to celebrate small wins. We get so wrapped up in achieving the next big victory and forget to acknowledge the progress that is happening every day along the way.
So here's your reminder:
Every day you show up is a win. Every day you show up, you are making progress and that is a win.
I'm proud of you for your wins
I'm proud of you for your resiliency during losses.
I'm proud of you for all the progress you've made when no one is looking.
I'm proud of you for advocating for yourself in a culture where it's easier to go with the status quo.
I'm proud of you for consistently showing up when it's hard.
I'm proud of you for always trying.
Digital solutions such as the Praan app foster a holistic approach to mental wellness by recognizing the interconnectedness of various factors in an athlete's life. Through the app, athletes can access resources and tools wherein our renowned therapists are trained to address broader aspects of well-being, such as stress management, sleep improvement, and nutrition. By integrating these lifestyle elements into their routine, athletes can create a strong foundation for mental wellness, further enhancing their performance on and off the field.
