I was thinking about dealing with anxiety (anxiety related depression), which on a social level is already a mental/mind pandemic, especially with young people a need of the hour, especially given the uncertainty around us irrespective of the life situation.
Many players, across different levels and age groups from a variety of sports that came in touch with me this last year had this in their mind. Pretty much every one of them – whether they are new or current, have had a fair share of anxiety related issues. Let’s say on avg. a handful for every sport, skill / age level, more youth and young adults are opening up! In fact, several coaches have also reached out to share perspectives and get insights, tips and technique adjustments.
If I think about it in detail, Mental Skills & Performance Training is and should be an integral part of an athlete’s regimen from a performance and life perspective. As Mind coaches, our emphasis has always been on making the athlete a well-rounded, high performing individual in a holistic way. Be it Tennis players, Golfers, Cricketers, baseball players and as I said, Coaches, pick any, the pandemic has had a major impact.
Today’s new normal calls for an improved mental fitness regime, truly open mindset, a big shift in one’s thinking and in how they process sport and more importantly life.
Coach Badri
Even within my existing clientele, I have had to do a neural reboot/reset in our current processes to align the current situation, uncertainty, short and long term goals and what adjustments we need to make. As a Sports Psychologist, I myself have had to reinvent myself and dive deep into this challenge. So it’s no surprise they have had to re-evaluate priorities, have begun to open up even more regarding how they are processing this global pandemic crisis. I see more openness in expression of their fears, worries, anxiety with more ease than before.
It is not so about performance anymore but more about their career, finances, family life, health, how long this going to last, some even worry about their age as more time away from playing means losing out on time which can impact their prime game etc.
While new players come on board, my existing players are also spending more time on sessions and drills than before. Players are even more willing to put in whatever effort they need to in order to become mentally fit and conquer the inner demons of worry, anxiety and fear. My sessions these days focus on that – Getting their mental muscles fit and ready for any new / newer normal!
Why wait? Book an appointment today!