Strengthen the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection: 5 Ways Athletes Use Mental Imagery for Bigger, Bolder Victories
Sport psychology has now been around for 100 years. Since 1925, the value of an athlete’s mental game has steadily intensified as more research validates how the mind influences physical performance. And not just for professional athletes - this trend has affected all levels of athletics, even youth recreational leagues.
Over time, different strategies have been employed to address a variety of mental struggles. If the athlete’s mind wonders, they learn how to concentrate. If their commitment lags, they learn motivational skills. If their anxiety or nervousness is too high, they learn ways to calm their system.
And then there’s mental imagery, the master of ceremonies, the empress of mind-body ideology in the sports world. This strategy utilizes the athlete’s imagination to develop the required skills and prepare for competition. According to imaging research, imagined movement produces the same brain activity as real-life movement. So, shooting a basketball or running hurdles in your mind is literally mental practice.
Indeed, mental imagery can be a powerful game-changer. When the athlete’s imagination has created full-sensory software of the desired experience, the mind simply replays the program to produce the physical output. Over and over, the athlete imagines perfect performance down to the smallest detail, setting up the mental plan for physical performance at game time.
Yet, mental imagery can be ramped up for bigger, bolder victories. Additional components can be included in the traditional practice for greater impact. Let’s align your mind, body, and spirit so all of you moves forward toward athletic excellence.
Following are five ways to refine your imagery training. Each suggestion strengthens your mind-body-spirit connection and, in turn, drives physical gains. You can gradually weave them in one at a time or zealously dive-in headfirst with all five simultaneously.
- Your Intention. Before you begin your imagery session, determine your specific intention (aka performance goal). When too broad or undefined, your imagination installs sloppy neural rewiring. So, sharpen the focus and promote accuracy.
- Your Emotions. As you mentally practice, turn up your emotional volume. You play and compete for some super-charged emotional reason. Bring that reason – the thrill of the challenge, the inspiration of excellence, the pride of accomplishment - into your mental rehearsal and fully embrace it. Emotions are amazing change-agents.
- Your Beliefs. Mental imagery is all about possibilities, about courageously pushing beyond your present-day physical ability. However, you must believe your imaginary scenarios are achievable in the real world. Whether you want to break world or even personal records, first evaluate then modify your beliefs accordingly.
- Your Words. Often, athletes say “next game” or “in the future” which inhibits wanted change in the now. Instead, use present-tense words as you talk to yourself throughout each imagery session. For example, start sentences with “I am” instead of “I will be” and notice the internal shift. For sure, all mantras must be structured this way.
- Your Spirit. Your spirit – your inner essence of love - benefits all aspects of your life, including your athletic aspirations. By integrating love into your imagery training, you deepen its positive energy on your performance. In your mind, create loving feelings toward yourself, your coach, your teammates, your fans, and even your opponents. Yes, loving competition is possible and facilitates your best flow-state.
High performance athletes are especially eager to face the fringes, to push the existing limits of physicality. Even small tweaks in their game may make the winning difference at their level of competition. For this reason, mental imagery is a regular staple in their training program, and any effective upgrade is usually welcomed.
However, recreational athletes also strive for better performance. If you want to elevate your stats, step up your mental game. Read and learn more about mental imagery and dedicate 10 minutes each day, in your own home, in your favorite chair. As the gold standard, this practice offers infinite opportunities and potential.
As a very important sidenote, know that mental imagery, including these five suggestions, is relevant and practical for any kind of physical activity. Musicians, singers, dancers, and actors can absolutely tap into this mind-body-spirit advantage.
As a physical therapist and certified clinical hypnotherapist, Ruth E. Smith offers a bold and intriguing mind-body-spirit approach for physical recovery. Her book, Without Boundaries: Optimizing Physical Recovery with Self-Hypnosis, and other writings connect and align with the powers of the mind: belief, language, mindfulness, and imagination. Her campaign, “Be Aware and Power Up!” enlightens and motivates healthcare consumers about hopeful perspectives and strategies for excellent results. Connect on Facebook and Substack. For more information visit www.ruthesmithauthor.com.
