Stress and anxiety

• Stress


  This is a stimulus resulting in a positive or negative response to a specific situation. It produces both physiological and psychological symptoms
• Eustress


  This is a positive and gives a feeling of fulfilment and arousal. It can increase focus, attention and skill level. Some athletes actively seek and need stressful situations
• Distress 


  This is a negative form of stress and in extreme cases causes anxiety and apprehension. It tends to be detrimental to sporting performance
• Anxiety 


  Is a negative aspect of stress and includes irrational thoughts and fear of failure
• Cognitive responses to anxiety

  • Loss of concentration
  • Feelings of apprehension
  • inability to cope
  • Attentional narrowing
  • Fear of failure
• Somatic responses to anxiety

  • Sweating
  • Increased muscle tension
  • Feelings of nausea
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased breathing rate
• Measurements of anxiety

  • SCAT
  • STAI
  • CSAI
• Cognitive techniques for controlling anxiety and stress

  • Imagery
  • Visualisation
  • Mental practise/rehearsal
  • Attention control
  • Positive self-talk
  • Self-confidence
  • Cognitive relabelling
• Somatic techniques for controlling anxiety and stress

  • Biofeedback
  • Progressive muscular relaxation
  • Deep breathing control
  • Centering