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Practice At Times Of Stress  Email this Article to a Friend
The skill of focused concentration is most useful at times of stress. It must, however, be practiced repeatedly in relatively non-stressful situations in order to be learned and integrated. In addition, recognize that you must develop skills of focused concentration at times of stress (internal arousal) off the course if you are going to have success staying mentally focused on the course. This is the same aroused and distracted internal state you will experience at times on the course. If you practice these focused concentration strategies off the course, you will have familiar and trusted techniques that will hold up under stress on the course. Although a broad and narrow focus may be present throughout your day, this does not necessarily mean it is easily accessible any time you choose, especially at times of stress when the cascade of thoughts begins. It is important that you have the ability to initiate focused concentration during times of stress as well as at set times during the day. When you find yourself in a situation that creates anxiety, a sense of urgency, feeling of conflict, anger or any other condition that takes you out of the present and creates arousal of your nervous system, begin to practice focused concentration, slowed movement and deep diaphragmatic breathing. When you are have difficulty falling asleep, it is almost always your mind that is too active. You will find you are focused either on the past or future. Take your focus to the present. Feel the heaviness of your body as it sinks into the bed and pillow. Note the texture of the sheets. Be certain your movements are slow and your breathing is deep and diaphragmatic. Problems falling asleep are a minor forms of stress. Use focused concentration in other more stressful conditions as well. Many tournament players describe "being on the clock" as a stressful event. In time you are going to be "on the clock" if you play competitive golf. This is a good example of a time on the course where slowed movement and focused concentration will help you stay in the present and out of the urgency this situation produces. Have somebody time your routine on the practice range as you quiet your movement and practice your deep breathing and focus. The knowledge that your routine is within a 45 second period will assure you that you do not need to rush when you are on the clock. The other obvious on-course events that produce distraction and arousal are when you let the play, speed of play, or behavior of others intrude on your thoughts. The slightest distraction can interfere with your focused concentration if you allow it to do so. Simply begin deep diaphragmatic breathing, say something to another player or a spectator if the situation calls for it, then return to your mindful, focused concentration. For example: "We need to pick up our pace guys," or "Please don’t move until I have played my shot." Once you have made the comment, mentally re-center, for example, think: "Now leave it and move on. LIMO!" How do you know when you have achieved flow state concentration off the golf course? You will feel a peacefulness. You will experience a relaxed calm that is mentally uncluttered. Your sense of time will be altered and your movement and thought will flow effortlessly in the present. Flow state concentration practice will help you enhance both the quality of your life and your performance on and off the golf course. Be sure to plan times and situations where you will practice. Enjoy the sense of control and present focus this state brings.
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