Learning to cope with stressors is an important aspect for performance.
Some try to run from stress, but not all stressors are bad. Actually, some stressors can help improve performance due to the physiological response produced.
For example, heart rate naturally increases when stressors are present. This increase helps the body wake up and become more focused on the task at hand.
It’s necessary to note that some stressors that cannot be managed can lead to performance anxiety and inhibit performance potential.
So, how do we manage our stressors. Try the following steps:
1. Become aware of your body’s response. Your body is always talking to you, but we need to learn to listen.
2. Recognize patterns. There’s a difference between normally responding in a certain way vs. feeling extremely uncomfortable due to new responses.
3. Identify the stressor(s)
4. Ask yourself, “Do I have control over this stressor?” If you do, implement your plan of action. If you don’t, implement a coping mechanism (diaphragmatic breathing, imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, etc.)