Using the 9 Mental Skills When Life Throws you a Curveball

Jack Lesyk at the Ohio Center for Sport Psychology defines nine mental skills of successful athletes: Choose and maintain a positive attitude.Maintain a high level of self-motivation.Set high, realistic goals.Deal effectively with people.Use positive self-talk.Use positive mental imagery.Manage anxiety effectively.Manage … Continue reading

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a good technique for easing anxiety.  It relaxes the mind and body by progressively tensing and relaxing muscle groups throughout the entire body.  This helps to release muscle tension and fosters mindfulness. How do you do … Continue reading

Dear Teenage Self

Dear Teenage Self, It saddens me to see how you hurt yourself.  There are no good reasons for you to do this.  I wish that you would take care of yourself.  Be better to yourself. Eat You think that you … Continue reading

About Anxiety

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life.  You might feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or making an important decision. However, anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear.  For a … Continue reading

3 Tips to Prep for a Test or Big Game

Worried about your mathematics test or football game against your biggest rival?  What is the best way to prepare for the event? Here are three tips for performing your best on the big day. 1. Get a good night’s sleep.   Make … Continue reading

Improving Focus

Many athletes ask about focus and getting in “the zone.”  Getting in the zone means being in the moment, and being in the moment means that you are not thinking about what’s happened in the past, and you are not … Continue reading

Getting out of a Slump

In a slump?  Has your team been losing or has your performance been down?  Try these two strategies to boost your motivation and improve your performance. Use positive self-talk “You can do this!” Use “You” or your name instead of … Continue reading

Mentally Psyched About Golf

Golf is one of the most fragile sports psychologically.  Golf is a game of confidence and competence. Negative thoughts tighten up the wrong muscles enough to blow your shot. If you want to consistently knock strokes off your game, you … Continue reading