MENTAL ‘FITNESS’ IS FOR EVERYONE
There’s a common misconception that Sports Psychology is only for elite athletes.
If you’re a beginner, or not a ‘sports person’ at all, then the thought of seeing a Sports Psychologist may seem redundant.
While Sports Psychology can be extremely valuable for professional athletes; you might be surprised to learn that its benefits are far-reaching and can actually help to boost anyone’s ‘mental fitness’.
Sports Psychology uses a range of strategies to help people of all ability levels and life situations prepare for a return to competition; cope with injury or illness; maintain good mental health and wellbeing; enhance mental performance; perform under pressure; stay motivated; and improve overall sporting, fitness or task-related performance.
Sports Psychology uses common sense, practical strategies to achieve goals. This approach is not only useful on the sporting field; but also in everyday life, in a variety of contexts.
We all want to better ourselves in some way. Whether it’s our work, relationships, social network, self-esteem, parenting skills or fitness that needs improvement, the principles are similar.
If you set a goal and take practical steps to achieve it, while removing obstacles and overcoming self-doubt, you are obviously more likely to be successful.
This is the way elite athletes are conditioned to think and it’s the way Sports Psychology works.
An athlete at the top of their game isn’t just physically strong. Perhaps the most important key to their success is their mental strength. They are able to concentrate, remain confident, cope with disappointment and focus on achievement.
These qualities create an open mindset that can attract success in all aspects of everyday life – not just on the sporting field and not only for professionals.
For example, if you’re struggling to stay focused with your school or university work, adopting strategies that improve your concentration will make it easier for you to hit the books and absorb more knowledge over a longer period of time.
If you’re struggling to stay motivated at work, even a minor shift in your attitude can help you to stay solution-focused and develop more collaborative relationships with your colleagues.
If your relationship has recently ended or is in trouble, finding strategies to deal with disappointment or grief can help you see the possibility of a brighter future, rather than focus on the negatives.
If you’re feeling socially disconnected, finding strategies to boost your self-confidence can make a dramatic difference to how you approach social situations and maintain meaningful friendships.
Furthermore, if you set yourself fitness or sporting goals, it really doesn’t matter what your ability level is or how modest those goals are. The true measure of success is whether or not YOUR goals have been achievable for YOU; and, if they weren’t, then what have you learned that you can improve upon next time.
All of this may sound simplistic. It may also feel easier said than done. You may find it very difficult to set goals and stay motivated to achieve them. You may have tried and failed many times before.
This is where it can be extremely helpful to seek the assistance of a professional Sports Psychologist.
Artius Health offers appointments with our highly qualified and experienced Endorsed Sport and Exercise Psychologist, Chris Haddock, who is only one of twenty Red to Blue Coaches worldwide and has extensive experience working with both aspiring & elite athletes, coaches, teams and sporting organizations throughout Australia; as well as general clients.
Face-to-face appointments are available at our Helensvale (Gold Coast) clinic and Telehealth appointments are available no matter where you are in Australia.
If you have a Health Care Card or Pension Card, we bulk-bill these appointments. Ask your GP for a referral or Mental Health Care Plan to access the Medicare rebate.
Phone 1300 764 003 or email health@artius.com.au to book your appointment today. Visit www.artius.com.au for more information.