There has been a great deal of debate over the years regarding the value of hypnosis for athletic and sports performance. People who are tasked with performing in front of others are typically always on the lookout for new techniques to increase their performance. Hypnosis is one of many tools that can be used to aid an athlete in achieving his/her full potential. In fact, utilized correctly, hypnosis in sports can be a really great tool.
How Hypnosis is Used in Sports
Hypnosis in sports is often used to control anxiety levels both pre- and post-game or during a meet or match. Hypnosis can help to regulate concentration demands and encourage more aggressive behavior when it is appropriate. It also helps to increase self-confidence and pride and can be used to reduce any psychological factors that can sometimes limit athletic performance.
I think it is important to point out that hypnosis is not a performance panacea but a very useful tool. Hypnosis is only as good as the skill level of the athlete using it. There must be continued reinforcement of the new neural pathways created in the mind by continual practice of self-hypnosis.
There are many examples of how hypnosis is currently being used to improve athletic and sports performance.
Sports Team Hypnosis
In sports team hypnosis, the entire basketball, volleyball, football team etc., is hypnotized and asked during the hypnosis, to visualize themselves practicing and “feeling” precise motor skills. The most important thing is that during the visualization the player actually feels the physical experience in their body. This leads to strengthening of neural patterns through hypnotic mental imagery, which reinforces neuromuscular coordination.
Hypnosis for Better Performance
When competing against a certain opponent, a player may become “psyched out” by the athlete’s reputation or abilities. This stress and anxiety when going up against this person can cause them to then perform poorly. Their belief of not being able to perform is reinforced every time that opponent is there. While this is not a matter of poor technique or skills, it is a matter of an emotional problem the player has created in their own mind.
For performers who are having a hard time falling asleep the night before a big game, there is also benefit in using hypnosis to get a full nights rest and by using that time to visualize themselves playing exactly the way they want to play versus how they don’t want to perform.
Likewise, the idea of becoming fearful to perform a particular routine or move can limit a performers abilities. Hypnosis helps to change their viewpoint and helps them to become “calm and relaxed” while doing the particular maneuver.
Get Sports Hypnosis Now
Hypnosis for sports and athletic performance is very helpful in changing and strengthening mental attitude. It can be applied to specific situations in sports to reduce feelings of pressure, tension, stress and anxiety.
If you’re ready to start performing to your full potential, contact me NOW. We’ll start with a free 20-minute consultation either by tele-video, live on the web, or by phone. I can also work with you in-person if you are local to my office in Cheshire, Connecticut.
