How can sports psychology help athletes manage performance anxiety?

Sports psychology offers strategies to help athletes manage performance anxiety, often referred to as ‘competition nerves’. These strategies include relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and mindfulness. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, help in reducing physical symptoms of anxiety. Cognitive restructuring involves changing negative thought patterns into more positive and realistic ones. Mindfulness and mental imagery help athletes stay focused on the present, reducing the impact of distractions. Sports psychologists work with athletes to develop personalized strategies to manage anxiety, enabling them to perform at their best under pressure. Regular practice of these techniques can significantly improve an athlete’s ability to handle competition stress.

How can sports psychology help athletes manage performance anxiety?

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