Four Stages of Performance Let me preface this conversation by saying we can help our clients manage stress within four different stages of performance: Baseline Pre-performance During performance Recovery We probably want to significantly reduce stress during baseline and during recovery (especially deeper, longer recovery, which becomes our next baseline). We want to optimize stress levels pre-performance and during [...]
When athletes are sidelined by injury, their minds often race backward and forward—replaying the moment of injury, worrying about lost progress, or fearing re-injury. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can be powerful tools for helping them return to the present moment and reconnect with their bodies during rehabilitation. Staying Present During Recovery Injured athletes frequently find themselves stuck between past and [...]
Written by W. Logan Kreisl The Hidden Strain on Student-Athletes High school student-athletes face a perfect storm of pressure: academic expectations, competitive performance, and the pursuit of scholarships or professional dreams. In fact, 91% of student-athletes report feelings of stress related to their sport (Ward et al., 2023). While collegiate programs have integrated mental-health services and sport psychology into [...]
Uncertainty is a constant in our lives—whether you're an athlete, other high-performer, or navigating everyday life. It shows up in our work, relationships, sports, health, society, environment, etc. It shows up everywhere and can come out of nowhere. At times, uncertainty can feel paralyzing and stop us in our tracks. At other times, uncertainty can feel like an annoyingly [...]
Adolescence into young adulthood is a period of questioning, including “who do I want to be?” and “who am I?” During this time, between pre-teen and young adulthood, life is riddled with decisions regarding paths and roles. Young people may find themselves identifying as a ”kid,” a “student,” and/or as a “friend” during this time. Some pursue sports, music, [...]
Anxiety disorders (there are several kinds) are some of the most common mental health concerns. Anxiety or feelings of anxiousness are normal in day-to-day life, maybe you feel anxious when having a difficult conversation, making decisions, or taking a test, however, anxiety disorders are much more than worry or fear. Anxiety disorders can disrupt daily work, school, sports, and [...]
Excerpt from 5/3/2021 USOPC Press Release The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee today joins the movement to promote Mental Health Awareness Month by announcing the launch of an online registry of mental health providers and unveiling an around-the-clock mental health support line for Team USA athletes. These resources are the latest developments in the USOPC’s ongoing commitment to [...]
While the benefits of sport participation (academic success, physical fitness, learning critical life skills, etc.) often lend to overall mental and physical well-being, it’s important to recognize some of the struggles athletes experience when living, performing, and competing under heightened expectations from themselves or others. Body image is one concept that tends to have a more negative connotation in [...]
Recently, Dr. Herzog was interviewed on the status of addressing mental health in youth sports and how it impacts both their performance and overall wellbeing. We thought it was prudent to share his responses with our community! What do you think is the biggest impact that mental health issues in youth sports has on the future of the athletes? [...]
Pandemic or not, holidays can be stressful. Traveling gets chaotic; even being at home with a smaller segment of your family during a pandemic can feel chaotic! Family members can love each other dearly AND know exactly how to push each other’s buttons. Gift giving and receiving can be fraught with hopes and expectations (and gifts can be expensive [...]
Mind-body interaction (“psychophysiology”) is spectacular. We think something, whether in conscious awareness or not, and our body has physiological reactions… this happens repeatedly every second of the day. Thoughts contribute to being regulated (e.g., mentally calm, with appropriate levels of physical alertness) or dysregulated (e.g., rapid thoughts or going blank, with inappropriate levels of physical alertness). In working with [...]
For simplicity purposes we could just say “nobody’s perfect” and leave it at that... but we all know there’s more to it than a catchy little phrase. When it comes to our children, we all want to see them accomplish great achievements. It’s also understandable for us to feel for them when they aren’t “perfect” ... when they aren’t [...]
Group Starts online on Tuesday/Wednesday (Dates TBD), 2020 @ 7pm (A virtual group for athletes and other peak performers, feeling the brunt of missed opportunities, milestones, or achievements) For driven kids and young adults, the current COVID-19 crisis has been hard, between abrupt endings, uncertainty about the future, strained relationships, and more. It is important to give voice [...]
People are often afraid to ask about thoughts of suicide. Don’t be. In fact, you should also ask if they have specific plans or intent. You will not inspire someone to commit suicide. You can normalize that people sometimes have thoughts about dying, it is a sign or serious distress, and you can work with them to find help [...]
Clinical Depression (“Major Depressive Disorder”) consists of some combination of the following symptoms: 1) Depressed mood most of every day; 2) Activities are no longer enjoyable/exciting; 3) Changes in weight or appetite (in either direction); 4) An observable slowing down (of thought or movement); 5) Fatigue or lost energy; 6) Feelings of worthlessness or guilt; 7) Problems concentrating or [...]
