This chapter explores how normalizing common anxieties and self-doubts can improve sports performance by reframing anxiety symptoms as helpful responses to enhance athletic abilities, highlighting that bodily reactions like heightened heart rate and nausea can actually optimize performance under pressure.
The siren has sounded. The scores are even. A footy player has one final chance to kick an easy goal to get his team into the finals.
He’s right in front of the goals. He lines up. Kicks. Misses. The pressure of such a moment was phenomenal, and the player choked under it.
So what happens in the brain during such intense periods? Why can some people remain calm while others can’t handle it?
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