Prior to competitive play many athletes have difficulty calming their nerves. To relieve symptoms of anxiety prior to or during sport activity try focusing on your breath. Following the flow of your breath for 20 seconds or more can aid in calming nerves. Your nerves calm down as your thinking calms down. Thoughts influence feelings. Shifting a physiology state from anxious and tight to relaxed and focused can be aided by a brief deep breathing exercise. The body cannot be anxious and relaxed at the same time.
For starters 4x4x5 breath technique: Breathe in deeply for the count of 4 seconds, hold your breath for the count of 4 seconds then release your breath for the count of 5 seconds. The technique can easily be practiced 2-3x's during breaks in sport.
Pick a sport:
Tennis, has a 20 second break between points.
Basketball, players utilize this before free throws or breaks in the game.
Baseball, plenty of opportunities during games whether on the field or waiting to bat.
Golf, better to be focusing on breath than all the thoughts that run through golfers minds.
The technique can be applied in most situations. While driving or operating any equipment keep your eyes open at all times!
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