Competition

Mindfulness - The Silent Secret for Athletes

November 9, 2023

In the fast-paced world of sports, where every fraction of a second can make a difference, we are constantly searching for that elusive edge. While some of us invest countless hours in training perfecting physical skills, we often overlook a vital aspect that can improve our performance: the mind. Mindfulness, also known as the silent secret, is a powerful tool that can help us excel in our chosen discipline. In this blog entry, we'll explore the importance of setting up a morning and evening routine to tune in to ourselves and zone out from the outside world, ultimately helping us stay present and grounded throughout the day.

The Power of Routine

From experience, one thing is clear, establishing a consistent routine can be a game-changer for athletes. When we follow a structured daily schedule, our body and mind become conditioned to specific activities, helping us transition between different states and tasks more efficiently. Incorporating mindfulness techniques into our daily practices can be the key to finding that elusive mental edge.

Morning Routine: Starting Your Day Right

Mantra Meditation: Begin your day with a few minutes of mantra meditation. Select a positive and meaningful phrase or word that resonates with you. By silently repeating this mantra, you can calm your mind and set a positive tone for the day. It's a great way to find focus and mental clarity among the chaos of our daily life.

Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing is a simple yet potent technique for centring yourself. Start with a few minutes of conscious deep breathing, focusing on each breath in and out. This practice can reduce stress, increase oxygen supply to your muscles, and improve your overall awareness.

Stretching Exercises: We often underestimate the importance of flexibility and mobility. Incorporate a short stretching routine to enhance your physical preparation. Stretching also serves as a transition between your morning routine and the day's tasks, promoting a sense of calmness.

Intention-Setting: Take a moment to set your intentions for the day. Consider your goals, both short-term and long-term. Reflect on your glows, areas for growth, and strategies for maintaining a positive mindset. This self-reflection exercise helps you stay focused on your objectives and keeps your mind in the right direction.

Evening Routine: Winding Down

Mantra Meditation: Conclude your day with another session of mantra meditation. This time, it helps you relax and clear your mind from the stresses and distractions of the day.

Breathing Exercises: Wind down with another session of deep breathing, emphasising exhalation to release tension. This means breathe in to the count of 4 and breathe out to the count of 8. It prepares your body for restorative sleep.

Stretching Exercises: Gently stretch your muscles to release any physical tension accumulated during the day. A relaxed body contributes to better sleep and quicker recovery.

Self-Reflection: Reflect on the day's achievements, learnings, and challenges. Acknowledge your successes and areas where you can improve. This practice helps you grow both as an athlete and as an individual

Staying Present & Grounded

Through our experiences, we’ve come to appreciate the key to mindfulness which lies in the ability to be fully present in the moment. Especially as athletes, we often deal with intense pressure and distractions, so it's crucial to stay focused and grounded within ourselves. By integrating these morning and evening practices into our daily lives, we can become more aware, reduce anxiety, and improve our performance. We start to perceive that operating from a result driven mind is far more difficult than allowing our love and playfulness to guide us through tests. Ultimately this is what our beloved sport is teaching us, to get away from fear and pressure and rediscover our true nature. One which is simple and joyful.