{"id":3238,"date":"2020-09-07T12:36:21","date_gmt":"2020-09-07T07:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesportsschool.com\/?p=3238"},"modified":"2023-05-24T02:13:27","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T02:13:27","slug":"dealing-with-pre-competition-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesportsschool.com\/dealing-with-pre-competition-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"Dealing with Pre-Competition Anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Athletes often find themselves in a tight spot right before a big game<\/strong>, and that is human nature. But, when these episodes of nervousness and anxiety are not managed efficiently, they take a toll on the game.<\/p>\n

Pre-competition anxiety is an uneasy feeling, usually, tension and low concentration that an athlete experiences before an event. It is characterized by sweaty palms, sleep disturbance, agitation, and in some cases, a loss of appetite.<\/p>\n

Anxiety is broadly classified into two types:<\/p>\n

\u25cf Trait anxiety:<\/strong> This is a chronic condition in which anxiety is a part of that person\u2019s personality.
\n\u25cf State anxiety<\/strong>: This is a temporary feeling of anxiety, which occurs due to an event or state.<\/p>\n

Sportspersons usually suffer from state anxiety that occurs before a match, since they are put under a great deal of pressure, not only to win but also to be the best. This condition slowly leads to competitive state anxiety.<\/p>\n

The unpredictability around sports is the major contributor to athletes\u2019 anxiety and nervousness. It can be about the outcome of a particular match, their performance, and their opponents\u2019 capabilities.<\/p>\n

The magnitude of a match also plays a huge role. More significant the game, the higher the expectation, and hence, the higher the level of anxiety. From not being in form for a particular match to an entire season, anxiety can hamper an athlete\u2019s career. All these factors hinder their performance, and they end up paying a hefty price.<\/p>\n

So how to deal with such kind of pressure and not fall prey to anxiety?<\/p>\n

Games can be very demanding, and it becomes crucial to channel your energy in your favor. To do so, athletes practice stress bursting techniques, and we’ve listed some of them here:<\/p>\n

1. Mindful visualization<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many athletes practice visualization to enhance their performance and manage stress. For this method to work, close your eyes, and concentrate on your breathing. Now imagine that you are competing against your opponent in a match, and create a winning situation. If you still feel tense, concentrate on your breathing, and calm your nerves down.<\/p>\n

2. Relaxation techniques<\/strong><\/p>\n

A focused and calm mind always works in favor of an athlete. Some of the standard relaxation techniques are:<\/p>\n