Anxiety

• What is anxiety


  A negatibe aspect of experiencing stress and can be caused in sport by worry or due to fear in a competitive situation
• State anxiety


  Linked to competitive anxiety where the individual will feel anxious about losing or potentially getting injured
• Trait anxiety


  Can happen in any situation as it is more innate rather than linked to any particular situation (genetically determined, generalised and enduring)
• Somatic (physical) response to anxiety


  -) excessive muscular tension

  -) increased heart rate and respiration rates

  -) sweating

  -) nausea
• Cognitive (physiological) response to anxiety


  -) indecision / confusion

  -) poor concentration

  -) loss of confidence
• Competitive anxiety


  A sub-type of social anxiety that occurs in competitive sport situations, and results from worry about their body, performance, or skills being evaluated negatively by others.
• anxiety management techniques


  Different methods can be used to reduce anxiety these include both somatic and cognitive techniques. These can be used to improve performance, improve focus, increase self confidence and reduce risk of aggression
• Somatic anxiety management techniques

  -) progressive muscular relaxation

  -) biofeedback
• Cognitive anxiety management techniques

  -) mental rehearsal

  -) imagery

  -) positive self talk

  -) thought stopping

  -) rational thinking

  -) positive thinking