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Anxiety and arousal are important parts of performance, despite the negative hype. The most successful athletes know that it is essential to find one’s ideal pre-performance state. This state differs between individuals and among sports, but is most often characterized by some type of “controlled” arousal.  This being said, research tells us that managing our non-performance anxiety and tension levels can be equally important, and that most athletes harbor more tension in their bodies than they realize.  Tension can affect flexibility, fluidity, speed, and energy stores.

Most runners warm up only lightly before a race so that they have “fresh legs.”  Managing one’s anxiety in the days and weeks before a big race is also essential—and  is actually related to how well our muscles work. Being able to summon relaxation when we need it takes practice.  Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a fantastic way to train your body to efficiently relax, to increase awareness of tension in your body, and to take control of your level.  While results are best achieved utilizing a long form  (20-30 minutes) at least once a day for two weeks, then switching to a shorter form (and eventually just a one or two word mantra), Progressive Muscle Relaxation can be used any time you need to relax.   Anxiety is a natural and adaptive function… and we need some anxiety to perform.  However, the more tension one’s body feels during “rest” time affects the amount of oxygen muscles can utilize.  This, in turn, can seriously affect performance. Living with perpetual anxiety or arousal when not performing is like running a hard workout before a race; It just doesn’t make sense.  So get after it women, own your level!

Samantha O’Connell, Ph.D
Clinical Sport Psychologist
DrSamOConnell@gmail.com

xx Ro & Lo

