03/21/2022
Injury rehab is one of the most mentally challenging things to go through. Here is a great research review on the best mental skills to use during and after injury. Check out the Top 3 skills below.
Also you can check out our bio for some more helpful tips on mental skills training.
1) Imagery - if you can see it you can do it! This is the most fundamental and useful mental skill for injury rehab. Close your eyes and imagine yourself playing your sport with ease and freedom. Seeing yourself moving freely and healthy increases your confidence and improves the neuro-communication between mind and body, so that when you do get back your mind and body aren’t rusty and you can get back to playing your best faster.
2) Goal-setting - this is the road map to success when it comes to injury rehab. Consider setting a weekly goal and daily actions that align your efforts to achieve that weekly goal. Have a once a week check in to recap your efforts and plan for the next week.
3) Relaxation- regulating your energy level is a massively important aspect to injury rehab! By focusing on relaxing your mind and body you speed up healing, increase positive neuro chemicals, and increase your resilience during the arduous rehab process. Try using the 4x4x4 breathing exercise; breathe in for 4 seconds, hold in your belly for 4 seconds, and release slowly for 4 seconds, repeat for 7-10 minutes and add thoughts about things your grateful for to increase the positivity and relaxation.
