If you’ve ever played competitive sports, you know that the mental aspect of your game can be just as important as your physical ability. It’s what gives you the confidence and self-belief to perform and deliver when it matters most. If you’re a baseball player, maintaining focus is vital to making contact with the ball, getting on base, and ultimately generating runs for your team.
One way to improve your focus is through meditation. The age-old practice of keeping your mind clear can pay off immensely on the field when it matters.
Here’s how regular meditation can help improve your performance:
- Concentration
By meditating, you’re improving your mind’s ability to clear away distractions and focus on one thing. During a pressure situation in a game, it can help you shut off the external noise and keep your eyes on the target.
- Calmness
Meditation can help you improve your ability to regulate your breathing and your heart rate. This will come in handy when the game is on the line and you’re expected to keep a cool head and perform.
- Reactivity
When your body and mind are in sync, you’ll be able to quickly adapt to situations and react on the fly. A meditative mind allows you to be faster at the plate, and perform to the best of your abilities.
Meditation is a practice that allows you to discipline your brain to keep the noise down so you can focus on the task at hand. It takes practice, and it’s not always the most exciting thing to do, but you’ll see mental benefits on and off the field.
Not sure how to meditate? A simple and effective method involves taking a sturdy, but relaxed posture (seated upright in a chair works), and focusing on your breath. When thoughts arise, let them go, and return your attention to the breath, and the rising and falling of your diaphragm. Try meditating for 10 minutes if you’re just getting started. The more you practice, the better your mental composure will become!