"...a disappointing outcome brings with it a whole new set of mental challenges."
Competitions are always going to be nerve-wracking experiences. Athletes put a lot of pressure on race days because that is when they're going to be able to really see the results of their hard work and the leaps forwards in their progress. A good result at competition will put a spring in your step and a smile on your face, but a disappointing outcome brings with it a whole new set of mental challenges.
Tips for Dealing With Race-Day Anxiety
1. Relax
Take a minute to relax! Take some breaths, step back for a bit and get some perspective. Running yourself around in circles with anxious thoughts is not a good path to follow.
2. Think about Something Else!
That sounds simple, right? But those anxious thoughts have a funny way of creeping back in where they're not wanted. Some athletes find it useful to keep themselves occupied with other tasks on race-day, giving them less chance to focus on heir negative anxious thoughts.
3. Concentrate on What is in Your Control
Humans like it when we can control our lives and our surroundings. It brings us great comfort to think that we're in control. A feeling of lack of control has been associated with many anxiety disorders and is one of the largest contributors to anxious feelings for all of us.
4. Focus on Your Goals
Not all of your races are equally important, some will have a greater weight placed on them than others. Learning to monitor your levels of fitness throughout the year will help you to manage your expectations.
5. Look the Part
having the right look can make all the difference on race day. Confidence is anxiety's polar opposite and for a lot of competitors, how they look and feel will make all the difference to their confidence levels and performance.