relaxation/energization: calming down and firing up
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RELAXATION/ENERGIZATION: CALMING DOWN AND FIRING UP. Vandal Sport Psychology Services University of Idaho. WHAT IS RELAXATION?. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Vandal Sport Psychology ServicesUniversity of Idaho
Relaxation is the ability to decrease unwanted muscular tension, reduce excessive activation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and calm the mind by eliminating unwanted thoughts.
Decrease of unwanted muscular tension,
Reduction of excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system, and
Calming of the mind by keeping it productively occupied
When activated produces the Fight-or-flight response
Symptoms◦ Heart rate and blood pressure increase◦ Pupils dilate to take in as much light as possible◦ Veins constrict to send more blood to your
muscles◦ Muscles tense up◦ Nonessential symptoms stop functioning ◦ Trouble focusing on small tasks
Relaxes tense musclesLowers arousalCalms the mind
Focused one relaxing the body (reducing muscular tension and lowering activation), which in turn calms the mind◦ Diaphragmatic breathing◦ Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)
(tension/relaxation and breathing with imagery)
Focused on relaxing the mind in order to calm the body◦ Imagery Relaxation◦ Meditation
The most effective techniques will simultaneously reduce unwanted tension and lower excessive arousal.
More effective if they combine physical and mental strategies
Total Relaxation use any technique you want take as long as you need to reach an “8”
or aboveConditioning pair relaxation “cue word” with deep
levels of relaxation (i.e., “8” or above)Rapid Relaxation use cue words and deep diaphragmic
breathing to trigger relaxation in 3-5 seconds
Alleviates chronic stress Promotes recovery from workout and
injuries Improves sleep Develops rapid relaxation skills
Reduces muscular tension Controls arousal Breaks the stress spiral Promotes and unconscious trusting
attitude Conserves energy Increases enjoyment
Diaphragmic breathing Imagery relaxation Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) Self-directed relaxation (SDR) Biofeedback Music
EFFECTIVE– Personal effectiveness is key. No single strategy is equally effective for all athletes.
FAST – Lower tension levels quickly in 3-5 seconds or less, and
PERSONALIZED – individualize strategies to maximize enjoyment and meet your specific needs.
Energization is the ability to arouse the body by increasing muscular strength and power, stimulate the activation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and invigorate the mind with energizing thoughts.
the process of speeding up heart rate and respiration, increasing sweating, stimulating greater blood flow to the muscles, and enhancing automated brain activity.
Total Energization use any technique you want take as long as you need to reach an
“8” or aboveConditioning pair energization “cue word” with
elevated energization levels (i.e., “8” or above)
Rapid Energization use cue words and quick, psych-up
breathing to trigger energization in 3-5 seconds
provide a performance advantage, control arousal, enhance concentration, and elevate confidence, particularly for
performing well when tired, when encountering adversity, or dealing with low energy levels.develop rapid relaxation skills.
“psych up” breathing imagery energization, energy machine energization, healing white light energization, and
music
effective – energize as much as need to ensure you perform your best.
fast – raise energy levels quickly in 3-5 seconds or less, and
personalized – individualize strategies to maximize enjoyment and meet your specific needs.