kk

what is it?

What is it?

Arousal refers to our ability to maintain an optimal performance level and how alert we are in order to sustain our attention and complete tasks as the environment demands. Self regulation is our ability to achieve, sustain and change our arousal level to meet the changing demands of the task or situation.

Relaxation is of great importance to any athlete striving for peak performance. Relaxation skills can help athletes reduce mental (self-doubts, worry, etc.) and physical anxiety (nausea, shaking, etc.), while increasing concentration and performance

How is it used

How is it used?

Relaxation Regulation is used to reduce stress before competitions and training. It tends to be used before major competitions, games or in high stress scenarios. If an athlete is uncertain of themselves, or on the verge of feeling sick due to nerves, and anxiety the technique of relaxation is used. If a player needs to get into their proper zone to perform better they get themselves pumped up for the big game. Arousal before sports is when you get excited, and your anxiety levels increase. It is proven that low arousal and high arousal will result in poor performances. Every person has an optimal level of how much they can personally handle. This strategy is used in order for an athlete to go into a game with the proper emotional state, so they are able to perform to the best of their ability.

Famous coaches known for using this strategy

Dara Howell, Canadian Olympic champion in slopestyle skiing and other professional athletes, have gone to Hawaii where they dive underwater for up to five minutes to learn how to stay relaxed in extream conditions

soccer players who take deep breaths before taking a free kick or penalty kick

People known for using this strategy

People listen to music to get hyped up or to relax before games

This is often seen when watching the world cup. All the athletes are seen cming ff the bus and listening to music.

When was it first used?

1

Dr. Edmund Jacobson published a book that had techniques of how and when to ‘relax’ certain muscles of the body to achieve a state of full relaxation. This book was studied by many doctors and scientists.

When was it first used?

2

Zella Moore developed the Mindfulness Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) approach to sport performance enhancement in a response to the absence of research supporting traditional psychological skills and training techniques such as goal setting, imagery, self talk and arousal control. The MAC approach is comprised of a combination of mindfulness exercise and acceptance techniques, and is designed to enhance sport performance and general psychological well-being.

how does it work?

Arousal is used through energizing techniques like music. Relaxation regulation uses muscle relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and or meditation if the athlete is too anxious. It allows the player to either calm down or become more aroused so the athlete can perform to their fullest potential. This is achieved by entering and maintaining an optimal level of cognitive and physiological activation. There are different techniques that an athlete will perform in order to become aroused or relaxed.

How does it work?