Anxiety

Defining Anxiety

  • Anxiety refers to a feeling of worry, fear or unease.
  • It is a normal human response to a perceived threat, environmental stress or unknown situation.
  • In the context of sports, it may stem from the concern of performing well, fear of injury, or expectation pressure.

Types of Anxiety

  • Trait Anxiety: A predisposition that makes individuals perceive non-threatening situations as threatening.
  • State Anxiety: Relates to ‘in the moment’ feelings that can change depending on the situation and environment.
  • Somatic Anxiety: Anxiety manifested physically, leading to symptoms like increased heart rate and sweaty palms.
  • Cognitive Anxiety: Anxiety relating to an individual’s mental responses like fear, worry and concern.

The Impact of Anxiety

  • Anxiety can negatively affect an athlete’s performance often due to increased pressure and tension.
  • It can lead to poor decision making and narrow attention focus.
  • High levels of anxiety can trigger physical symptoms like muscular tension and faster fatigue.
  • It can lead to psychological symptoms such as lowered self-confidence and increased fear.

Managing Anxiety

  • Relaxation Techniques: Methods such as progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, and deep breathing can help athletes control anxiety levels.
  • Cognitive Techniques: Strategies like positive self-talk and mental imagery can assist in managing cognitive anxiety.
  • Social Support: Support from peers, family, coaches, or professionals can help athletes manage their anxiety.
  • Pre-Performance Routines: Consistent routines can offer familiarity and control, reducing uncertainty and associated anxiety.

Relevance to Physical Education

  • Understanding anxiety is crucial as it can have a substantial impact on an athlete’s performance.
  • Incorporating strategies to manage anxiety can help individuals enhance their physical performance and mental wellbeing.
  • It’s important to realise that a certain level of anxiety can actually enhance performance (Inverted-U Hypothesis), but too much or too little can have detrimental effects.
  • Therefore, learning to find an individual’s Optimum Anxiety Level where they perform at their best is a key concept in physical education.