The Mental Edge 13 Jan 2024

A common question I get asked is how will you help me as a Sports Psychologist?

Naturally, different athletes bring to us different challenges, so in this case we’ll look at the athlete who wants to play their sport with a mental and physical intensity.

• Starting off on the front foot. 
• Playing on their terms.
• Taking the bull by the horns…

I’m sure you’ll agree to be able to do this – it starts in the mind, with an intention to execute your plans. 

But, how do we get to that point? If we were supporting you in this case, we’d be looking at your energy levels, helping you make sure they are topped up as well as showing you different mental skills that you can integrate into your routines.

After working with you we’d then help you personalise a checklist that works for you from the following statements so that you pick up some helpful habits:

• I made sure that I went to bed early.
• I had adequate naps to aid my recovery.
• I engaged in active rest days to keep my muscles and blood moving.
• I did my mental reps in the build up to completing to raise my energy. By Visualising myself playing with purpose and intensity.
• I considered what I expected of myself ahead of competing in relation to specific situations (For example, in football or soccer – when to press, tracking back, my movement off the ball).
• Any doubts and worries I processed by journaling.
• I sought some peace and quietened my mind with mindfulness meditation.
• I used cue words such as “relentless” and “brave” to get me going.
• I made sure I had a good time and plenty of laughs to fill me with positive energy this week ahead of competing.
• In the warmup and at different times when I competed, I made sure my body language was positive and dominant. “Chest out, head up” I said to myself many times.

IN ADDITION TO THESE HELPFUL HABITS, THAT WE SUPPORT YOU WITH, YOU’LL ALSO FIND LISTENING TO PROFESSIONAL CYCLIST AND PERFORMANCE NUTRITIONIST ELLEN MCDERMOTT’S INSIGHTS BENEFICIAL IN THIS WEEK’S DEMYSTIFYING MENTAL TOUGHNESS PODCAST EPISODE.

Today Ellen McDermott shares her journey from a novice to becoming an elite professional cyclist, taking part in the 2023 World Gravel Championships in Italy.  She discussed challenges that she has faced and how she has dealt with them.  She also shares why a well thought out nutritional plan is vital to improve your performance levels.