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In the world of sports, mental resilience is often hailed as the secret weapon that complements physical prowess. Athletes understand that a well-balanced mind is key to excelling in their chosen discipline. However, sometimes the mind can become a stumbling block rather than a stepping stone to success.
I received an inquiry from a male runner who faced an unexpected hurdle during his long-distance runs. A few miles into his usual routine, panic would set in, disrupting his training runs and long-distance events. This anxiety seemingly emerged out of nowhere, perplexing the seasoned marathon runner and hindering his passion for running.
Despite feeling confused, the runner struggled to pinpoint specific triggers for his anxiety. No external elements during his runs seemed responsible for the abrupt onset of panic episodes. Characterising the situation as a mental challenge, he eagerly sought a resolution to regain control and resume the enjoyment of his runs.
First and foremost, we prioritised the client's health, ensuring he consulted his GP and underwent routine tests to rule out any physical concerns. With a clean bill of health, the client turned to hypnotherapy, having learned about its effectiveness from a friend who I had previously worked with and successfully addressed a different issue through hypnotherapy.
Together, we delved into the thoughts and physical symptoms associated with his panic episodes. Employing hypnotherapy techniques, we worked to release the unwanted thoughts, emotions, and feelings that were intertwined with his running anxiety.
Hypnotherapy operates directly on the subconscious mind, the driving force behind our actions and behaviours. It has the ability to unearth the triggers for panic attacks, even if they remain hidden in the recesses of our awareness. By addressing the underlying causes and mitigating anxiety—an instigator of panic—hypnotherapy equips individuals with tools to manage and reduce panic attacks, reframing anxiety as a manageable challenge rather than an overwhelming fear.
After three sessions, with carefully crafted action plans in between, the runner reported a change. He was once again relishing his runs without the panic attacks, and he was contemplating entering his first long-distance running event in nearly a year.
Hypnotherapy can make a significant impact on helping to overcome mental hurdles in your chosen sport. Whether it's enhancing overall sports performance or addressing specific challenges like performance anxiety, panic, and stress, hypnotherapy offers a valuable tool for anyone looking to optimise not just their bodies but also their minds.
As a sportsperson, your dedication to training your body is commendable. Why not invest a little time in training your brain as well? Hypnotherapy might just be the missing piece in achieving your peak performance.
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