Often, when one hears the term ‘Mindfulness,’ it evokes thoughts of something mystical or spiritual. But scientific research proves it’s more than just a buzzword. In essence, Mindfulness plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, profoundly influencing how athletes, for instance, perceive and react in real-time scenarios.
Read more: Mindfulness in Sports: The Brain’s Response and Its BenefitsThe Intricacies of Our Thought Process:
Interestingly, scientific studies reveal that an average individual encounters approximately 40,000 diverse thoughts daily. These thoughts range from basic instincts, like hunger, to more complex ones related to sports, such as deciding to pass the ball in a football game. Predominantly, humans are guided by subconscious patterns, causing us to dwell either in the past or speculate about the future. Consequently, we often overlook the pleasure derived from simple joys like the warmth of sunlight or a perfect sports move. This concept of anchoring our attention entirely to the present moment is what Mindfulness emphasizes.
A Deeper Dive into Mindfulness:
In essence, Mindfulness strengthens our focus on present thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Jon Kabat Zinn, an expert on this subject, provides an in-depth explanation in the following video: Link to Jon Kabat Zinn’s video.
Mindfulness and the Brain: Unveiling the Mystery:
So, how exactly does living in the present impact our brain? Neuroscientist Sara Lazer’s research compares long-term meditation practitioners with a control group. Initial findings showed that meditators possessed an increased volume of grey matter in several brain regions. This matter is crucial for processing information. Notably, there was a surge in the insula responsible for sensory perception and the prefrontal cortex linked to working memory and decision-making. An intriguing observation was that 50-year-old meditators had as much grey matter as 25-year-olds, hinting at the brain’s age-defying properties.
Incorporating Mindfulness in Sports:
NBA coach Phil Jackson discusses the integration of mindfulness in basketball training during an interview with Oprah Winfrey. By employing meditation techniques, Jackson aimed to help players ‘reset’ during challenging moments. His unique methods included practicing in darkness and even introducing a ‘silence day’ for differential development. Watch the full discussion here: Link to Phil Jackson’s Interview.
Mindfulness: An Athletic Mindset Shift:
At its core, Mindfulness promotes living in the ‘now’. As mentioned, it does have substantial effects on our brain. Many athletes, especially young footballers, are future-driven, focusing on their ultimate goals. While this ambition is the foundation for numerous achievements, one must ask: Do they genuinely enjoy every practice and match? It might be unrealistic to assume they always do, but experiencing joy in the game is essential.
A Simple Tip:
Relish every goal scored, every defensive move, and every assist. Celebrate victories, even with just a photo in the locker room. And during those challenging moments, take a moment to ‘reset’. It might sound cliche, but it’s easier said than done.