You’re worth being brave.

The above are the words of Brene Brown, bestselling author and research professor. If you have not heard of Brene Brown’s work, visit her website, where you can learn more about her eight books and her work on shame and … Continue reading

Using the 9 Mental Skills When Life Throws you a Curveball

Jack Lesyk at the Ohio Center for Sport Psychology defines nine mental skills of successful athletes: Choose and maintain a positive attitude.Maintain a high level of self-motivation.Set high, realistic goals.Deal effectively with people.Use positive self-talk.Use positive mental imagery.Manage anxiety effectively.Manage … Continue reading

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a good technique for easing anxiety.  It relaxes the mind and body by progressively tensing and relaxing muscle groups throughout the entire body.  This helps to release muscle tension and fosters mindfulness. How do you do … Continue reading

Setting SMART Goals

In sport psychology, we talk about making goals SMART.  The acronym SMART helps you define your goal more clearly. A SMART goal is: S – Specific Your goal clearly tells what action you will take. M – Measurable You will will be able … Continue reading

Resources for Injured Athletes

Often the mental pain caused by your injury and the temporary or permanent loss of your sport can be far more devastating than the physical injury. This type of pain must be addressed and managed in order to recover quickly and … Continue reading

Starting a New Exercise Routine

We are 10 days into the 45-day challenge.  It’s not too late to join us! Starting a new exercise routine can be daunting.  Here are two key tips to get started on your routine and stay on track to your goal. … Continue reading

Prevention of Injury in Youth Sports

Injuries are common in youth sports.  With proper training, many injuries can be avoided. The facts about injuries in youth sports: 48% of young athletes have at least one injury during an athletic season.  65% of these injuries are minor. … Continue reading

Managing Performance Anxiety

Do you feel dread about performing? Do you feel stage fright before a presentation or anxiety before the big game or test? Athletes and students often experience performance anxiety.  The anxiety not only influences their performance, but it can also … Continue reading

3 Tips to Prep for a Test or Big Game

Worried about your mathematics test or football game against your biggest rival?  What is the best way to prepare for the event? Here are three tips for performing your best on the big day. 1. Get a good night’s sleep.   Make … Continue reading

Managing Mistakes

Teaching Children and Adolescents to Manage Mistakes We want our children and teenagers to perform well, and so do they.  However, the pressure of perfectionism can lead to the fear of making mistakes.  When there is so much pressure to … Continue reading

Sleep Well for Wellness

When students and athletes consult with me, I always ask about their sleep because  sleep is a big part of our lives and is instrumental to our performing well. We all know what it’s like when we haven’t slept well … Continue reading

Improving Focus

Many athletes ask about focus and getting in “the zone.”  Getting in the zone means being in the moment, and being in the moment means that you are not thinking about what’s happened in the past, and you are not … Continue reading