Sport Psychology

Mental Wellness and Fitness in Sport and Exercise

Much research has shown exercise to have prolific benefits on mental health, contributing to reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In competitive and elite sport, certain levels of anxiety are helpful but past a certain threshold it becomes unhelpful and can lead to disappointing results and outcomes such as:

  • pathological eating and exercise behaviour

  • significant reductions in confidence and self-efficacy (self-belief in performance capabilities)

  • relationship difficulties

  • mood instability

  • low self-worth and lack of purpose

  • burnout

Helen D'Silva Performance Psychology Group

Turning performance around can be achieved through a few stages. Through use of strategies including visualisation, mental rehearsal, music, relaxation techniques, positive psychology frameworks, individuals can:

 1) First better understand why they are experiencing  their present circumstances 

2) Develop strong awareness of how to self-monitor

3) Convert their existing performance through learning and applying a variety of strategies including:

  • visualisation and mental rehearsal techniques

  • integrating music

  • relaxation and meditation techniques to prepare the body correctly, help the body recover and focus

  • re-positioning internl and self-directed dialogue

  • learning to control thoughts and emotions

Individuals learn how to create their own foundations for better performance and coaches can learn how to apply these techniques with their athletes.

Sport Psychology is for Everyone

Sport Psychology is not just for elite athletes; it is beneficial for everyone and can be used in daily life. 

In looking to make the use of sport psychology techniques and practices more widespread, Helen is particularly interested in working with personal trainers to support them in helping their own clients achieve the most from their programme and training regimes. 

Helen has a particular interest in golf, running (short, medium and long distance), equestrian and field hockey but truly enjoys working with any individual or team that is committed to achieveing a better result.

To enquire and find out more about HDPPG’s sport psychology services, click below.

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