Stress management

Question 1

What is stress?

Answer 1

Trigger stimulating increase in arousal and anxiety typically occurring when a performer meets a demand or challenge

Question 2

What are causes of stress?

Answer 2

• competition
• frustration
• conflict
• personal
• physiological
• audience

Question 3

What are some cognitive stress management techniques?

Answer 3

Positive self talk = believe in ability and talk to self to centre
Negative thought stopping = refuse to think negatively
Rational thinking = focus inwardly on small number of stimuli and evaluate
Mental rehearsal = picture rehearsing skill in mind
Goal setting = focus for achievement
Mindfulness = focus on present moment

Question 4

What are some somatic stress management techniques?

Answer 4

PMR = athlete tenses all main muscle groups and gradually releases in turn
Biofeedback = electrical instruments measure physical changes during arousal/anxiety aiming to control
Centring = draw focus to core of body
Breathing control = control breathing depth and rate