How to lower stress before a big game
There are plenty of things in this world that cause stress and anxiety. Public speaking, a first date, and even competing in big sporting events. When it’s time to play, many athletes, from professional to weekenders, feel butterflies in their stomachs and start to second-guess themselves. When pride is on the line, the anxiousness of the big game can affect your performance. However, there are ways to help combat that feeling and make sure that you put your best foot forward.
Breathing
Athletic competitions tend to cause heavy breathing from exertion. However, it’s the moments before the action where anxiety can strike and throw off your game. Deep breathing exercises can help to bring down your heart rate, help you focus, and help you relax. Before the game starts, find a spot where you can take some deep breaths on your own and clear your head a bit. Then, you can get on the field with better focus and less anxiety.
Visualization
Visualization when it comes to sports is imagining yourself doing what you need to do to succeed. Visualize yourself making the perfect kick, or making a basket with excellent shooting form. Visualization can help “trick” your brain into thinking you are actually doing those things, so it’s almost like practice. Not only that, but by visualizing ahead of time, you will be more accustomed to those actions when you get in the game. One of the key things is that your visualization must be as realistic as possible. Picture the field, the other team, the fans, and everything else that you would see from your point of view to get the best effect.
Music
Music is known to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Put on your headphones and zone out with your favorite tunes prior to the game and while you are warming up. It will help to clear your mind of negative and stressful thoughts, and may even put you in the right rhythm for your game. Many athletes have songs running through their heads while they play so that they can try to keep their minds clear all game long. Choose songs that you not only enjoy, but that are upbeat and in a fast tempo so that they give you energy as well.
Enjoy Yourself
Chances are that if you are reading this, you are not in the NBA or the Premier League. Big money is not on the line, but maybe bragging rights are. Remember, sports are games, and games are meant to be fun. When you put too much pressure on yourself, then it can stop being fun really fast. Try to stay in the moment, and remember that you are healthy enough to compete, and you are doing something that you enjoy doing. Have fun competing, have fun with your teammates, and even have fun with your opposition.
Worry About Things You Can Control
When it comes to athletic competitions, there is only one thing you can control: yourself. Too much stress and anxiety when it comes to sporting events is from thinking about who is watching the game, who is on the other side, or even what the weather is like. You need to focus on yourself. Prepare your best, keep your eyes away from the stands, and remember that even if the other team is better, you may be able to pull off an upset. It happens all the time.
Relaxation Help
Stress manifests in physical ways as well as mental. You may need some help with reducing the symptoms of stress to be able to properly compete. This might mean breathing exercises as mentioned. However, you might find that meditation helps, or certain stretches. While it’s not legal in the UK, if it is legal where you are, you can microdose a cannabinoid product to alleviate anxiety. Microdosing an easy, reliable strain like Northern Lights from Zamnesia will give you the benefits you need without making you high or affecting your performance.
Routine
People who suffer from anxiety often find that a routine helps them cope. Knowing what to expect and following the same patterns reduces uncertainty. Create a routine for yourself to follow before games. It can stretch back as far as necessary, including even the night before. If you need to sleep in certain jammies and wear a certain outfit the day of a game, then you can do that. Try to make your pre-game routine the same every time as well, so that your body gets used to the ritual of competition, and it will be less stressed when you play.
Don’t let your anxiety get in the way of your performance. Use these tips to do your best on the big day.