Arousal

• Intense excitement

  High level of arousal
• Deep sleep


  Low level of arousal
• Under aroused 


  boredom
• Over aroused

  Anxious
• What does optimal arousal depend on?


  How fine/gross the movements are.
• How can arousal affect a performer?

  Arousal can affect both the physical and mental state of a performer. Physically increases in arousal may cause a rise in heart rate or cause a performer to sweat more or to shake. Mentally, it may cause the performer to feel nervous, cause them to worry or to panic/negative thoughts.
• Methods used to control arousal can be in the mind (mental/cognitive) or through use of the body (physical/somatic). 

  The main methods that sports performers use are:

  • Deep breathing (physical/somatic)
  • Mental rehearsal/ visualisation/imagery (mental/cognitive)
  • Positive self-talk (mental/cognitive)
• Define arousal.


  A physical or mental state of alertness, varying from deep sleep to intense excitement.
• Deep breathing


  Can help to make you feel calmer and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety.
• Mental rehearsal 


  Can make you feel more prepared and help you to focus.
• Positive self talk


  Can help you to take a more positive approach and help you to feel less nervous.
• What is optimal arousal?


  The level of arousal that will help you to perform the best you can.