Science News

Article originally written by Jenny Xu ’27.

In the bustling world of sports psychology, a quiet but profound revolution is stirring- a revolution that champions the transformative power of mindfulness in shaping athletes’ performance and fortifying their mental resilience. In recent years, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as a beacon of hope, offering athletes a holistic pathway to not only excel in their sport but also to foster inner harmony amidst the relentless demands of competition.

As athletes, our journey toward excellence is more than just a destination—it’s a way of life. Personally, I’ve explored various psychological techniques through sports psychology classes, like cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs), to enhance my performance. Skating with a team, there are inevitably many differing views, opinions, and thoughts. However, with sports psychology meetings before a big competition, we are able to harness our competition anxiety and overcome any barriers that might be stopping us from working together as a team. With a guiding light, we can merge our opposing thoughts into one. In sports psychology, stress and that butterfly feeling in your stomach are not banished, but rather, encouraged. Most athletes, me included, believe that a bit of stress is an indicator that you will do well and that you shouldn’t be psyching yourself out! Yet, amidst these techniques lies a subtle paradox: the balance between control and surrender to the present moment.

What does that even mean? This idea captures the complex challenge that athletes have to grapple with, balancing the desire to control their performance by setting harsh lines for themselves, or a humane necessity to let go and be present in the moment. That’s where mindfulness comes in. Rooted in ancient traditions, mindfulness invites us to embrace the here and now with open hearts and compassionate minds. It’s about fully settling in the present and accepting our thoughts and emotions without judgment. This may seem trivial and counterintuitive to you at this moment, but within the realm of mindfulness training, athletes discover a great number of approaches, from Mindfulness Acceptance Commitment training to Mindfulness-Based stress reduction programs, that sharpen focus, heightened body awareness, and foster self-compassion. 

But wait… what does the evidence say? As of recently, researchers have delved into randomized controlled trials, uncovering the potential of mindfulness for athletes. The findings include improved performance, heightened mindfulness, and reduced mental health challenges like stress and anxiety. Yet, beyond the stats lies a deeper truth—a truth that speaks to our shared human experience. It’s about transcending limitations, reaching new heights, and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Mindfulness in sports isn’t just about deep breathing and slowing your brain down; it’s about realizing our full potential and embracing our humanity. With mindfulness as our compass, athletes can navigate a future where performance and well-being coexist, which illuminates inspiration and hope for all.

Sources:

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Promoting Athletic Performance and Related Factors among Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9915077/

How mindfulness-based training can give elite athletes a mental edge
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/athlete-mental-health-mindfulness-psychology-elite-olympics