RELAXATION

Stress is a major destroyer of the most essential elements of performance

Tension can be generated by many things:

• Doing something for the first time
• Unfamiliar surroundings
• Time pressures
• The attitude of others
• Wanting to be good
• Expecting too much of yourself
• Others expecting too much of you

Try to identify your source of tension and then actively work at discounting any effects it may have induced. Don’t expect to eliminate stress – reducing it is a satisfactory goal.

• Plan well
• Set achievable goals
• Prepare well
• Trust the preparation
• Trust yourself
• Allow achievement to be measured in diverse ways

Relax

Any conscious attempt to reduce stress levels will improve performance

• Relax your breathing
• Lower your centre of gravity as best you can
• Try smiling
• Close your eyes, breath and allow a private moment to just be you
• Do all of the above simultaneously
• Stretch and shake out
• Let go of your expectations – just do it

Create your own list. Find what works for you.

SMALL gains in reducing tension can have LARGE effects on improving performance.

Remember – “Perfection” is an unattainable goal

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