Calm Under Pressure: Track & Field Athletes and Mental Health
By Athena Daniels
Mental health is a topic rapidly gaining traction in the sports medicine community.
Athletes, like gymnast Simone Biles, have recently discussed how their mental health affects their performance, advocating for fellow athletes to value their mental condition alongside their physical health. Indeed, athlete mental health should be more of a concern in track and field as well, given the sports’ unique risk factors. Studies recommend that both athletes and sports medicine providers must develop a full understanding of how these issues commonly manifest, and find ways to prevent potential issues.
As you figure out your athletic goals and resolutions for 2022, it’s good to consider how your mental condition factors into these plans. Pressures may get in the way of any improvement, consistent though you may be in training. In this article, we’ll discuss how nerves and a poor mental condition can affect your performance — and what can be done about it.
Photo by Zach Lucero on Unsplash
Why Do Athletes Become Nervous Before a Big Meet?
Generally speaking, the more important the outcome is to you, or the more uncertain you are of what will happen, the greater the mental pressure will be. Athletes want to avoid failure or embarrassment from losing, but doubtful thoughts and a lack of confidence can create feelings of tension, anxiety, and nervousness. Almost every athlete will experience these nerves from time to time; what makes an athlete great is their ability to keep these thoughts and emotions in check.
The Importance of Staying Calm for Peak Performance
When you’re nervous, your body reacts as a response. Your heart rate speeds up, making it difficult to breathe. You have a hard time thinking clearly, then lose some control of your physical and mental abilities — which impact your capacity to execute your skills. You’ll also struggle to make good decisions. Many athletes end up panicking and rushing through their performance, leading them to make mistakes.
To perform well, athletes must practice remaining calm under pressure. By staying calm, you regain control of your mind and body, and maintain situational awareness to make good decisions. Elite athletes can even manage to use nervous energy to their advantage. By refocusing their mind, they transform their nerves into an adrenaline rush that can power them through a competition.
In an interview with The Guardian from 2016, Usain Bolt shared this secret to staying calm:
“No matter how much pressure is on, I never think about it, because it starts creeping in and plays with your mind. That’s why I clown around before a race. I’m relaxed, I enjoy myself. And it works.”
Tips to Maintain Your Mental Condition
Most athletes are aware that mental toughness plays a huge factor in their success. However, many athletes hesitate to seek professional help when they need it. Before heading into a meet, it’s important for athletes to assess both their physical and mental health.
Experts advise athletes to practice their reaction to stress. Coaches can recreate competitive pressure by scoring athletes against their peers during training. Visualization exercises can also help; creating a mental picture of performing well allows athletes to hold on to their confidence and control leading up to an event.
Finally, just breathe. Do your pre-performance rituals as usual for a sense of comfort and clarity. Right before the competition starts, keep your breathing slow and deep to switch your concentration away from intrusive thoughts. By deliberately focusing your mind on the rhythm of your breath, you redirect your focus to the task at hand: performing at your best.
Additional support can be provided from professionals. Through an injury prevention program, healthcare providers can help athletes make lifestyle changes that address mental health issues. Modern healthcare management techniques taught at top institutions encompass risk management, healthcare technology, and performance improvement. These techniques allow medical professionals to create a calming strategy for athletes.
Guest Article By Athena Daniels
