The concept of balancing relaxation and arousal is crucial for optimal performance, especially in high-pressure environments like sports. Arousal refers to a state of psychological alertness and focus, providing the motivation and readiness needed to complete tasks.
Example in Athletes:
https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-blog/how-olympians-use-mental-imagery-to-improve-success/
Diver, Troy Dumais, a 4 time Olympian used the technique of visualization to mentally practice his performance.
"If you can see yourself hitting a dive, the chances of you hitting a dive increase greatly."
Occurs when an athlete is able to create an image(s) related to their sport without a stimulation, they are mentally generated.
It is successful because it improves the quality of athletic movement, increases power of concentration, and serves to reduce pressures of competition on the athlete while the confidence of the athlete is being built.
Part of sports psychology
Self-Talk
Examples in Athletes: Joe Hart, English goalkeeper gives himself a self-talk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjYlBFXxda0
This is where the internal conversations take place.
It is the inner voice that says our opinions and evaluations on what you're doing as you're doing it.
You can hear what your own self is saying.
When the self-talk is upbeat and self-validating, the results can boost your productivity, therefore it is successful
Goal Setting
Example in Athletes: Usain Bolt discusses how he follows the goal setting technique.
https://www.itv.com/news/update/2013-09-19/usain-bolt-setting-goals-is-the-key-to-my-success/
Extremely powerful technique used in the enhancement of a performance.
Vital strategy implemented to be successful in any environment.
Successful: Helps focus attention, essential to maintain and enhance motivation
Relaxation/Arousal Regulation
Arousal: state of mind, where one is psychologically awake and focused
Successful as it motivates you and give you the drive and readiness to fulfil a task
Relaxation: state of being mentally and physically calm
Good because being relaxed improves performance and enhances coordination
Example in Athletes:
A soccer player such as Cristiano Ronaldo taking deep breaths before taking a free kick or penalty shot
To control balance between relaxation and arousal, awareness of psychological states has to increase
Important to stay focused and in control
Successful because you are able to control your thoughts and feelings