Mental Gymnastics: How Does S... Video Transcript

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To pair that with the relaxation, to deep breath, and then picture yourself serving well. If you don't serve as well as you would like, to find a way to talk yourself out of saying, "I knew I couldn't do that." To be able to say, "I'm working on this. I'm doing the best that I can. Let me try again."

PAUL MONIZ: Also break down what you're doing into smaller steps can sometimes help with something, especially if it is something new. And concentrate on each step and making it work through the whole process.

WILLY WIENER, PhD: Noting where you are holding the racket before the serve, noting your stance on a golf putt, noting your posture at the free throw line. You're right, noting it each step of the way, and having your attention on those matters exclusively.

PAUL MONIZ: I want to bring in something else in the short time that we have left regarding stretching. People don't stretch long enough, and it is part of the whole stress cycle. People are busy. They get to the court or the golf course late. They want to get on the course. They want to get on the court. So they just eliminate it sometimes and it can lead to injuries.

WILLY WIENER, PhD: Absolutely. Yes. I think for the most part people stretch far less than is really adaptive and especially as athletes get older, stretching becomes more and more important, and then those little nagging injuries are more and more stressful. Stretching can be very relaxing and incorporating some deep breathing into a stretching program before and after is very wise.

PAUL MONIZ: Dr. Massino, your final words to our audience about relieving stress in sporting activities.

FRANCIS MASSINO, PhD: I think it's a great idea to prepare before hand. To try to get yourself into a zone, to eliminate distractions, to focus on the process as opposed to the outcome.

PAUL MONIZ: Okay, very good advice. Dr. Fran Massino, thank you for your time. Dr. Willy Wiener, as well. Both from the Institute for Professional Performance Advancement in Manhattan. Again, remember you can have fun out there without stress. I'm Paul Moniz. Thanks for joining us.

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