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mindset & pERFORMANCE

 
In the Car Ride Conversations newsletter and Mindset Minute video series, linked below, the athletic department shares tips to understand the mental side of performance and how to educate and communicate with student athletes to support the development of strong and supportive mindsets, both on and off the playing field.
Theresa Giunta

Theresa Giunta

Assistant Director of Athletics, Mental Performance Coach

Yoga and Stress Management

By Theresa Giunta, CMPC

On a chilly Thursday in November, 2024, Ms. Giunta’s class and a member of the staff and took part in a yoga session for stress management. A goal of the session was to share how important meditation and practicing mindfulness in our daily lives can be when we are stressed, or even just super busy (especially this time of year). The practice of yoga can teach us to be present, and let off of everything outside the moment of being on our mat. It gives us the chance to connect or reconnect with ourselves and each other.

Our brains are wired to reach out and interact with a sense of connection. The power of connecting to others starts with connecting to ourselves - our inner body, our bodies, our inner selves, our values, our purpose, our breathing. When we are anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, or insecure,  it is because we lose connection with ourselves, our hearts, and our need to reconnect and ground ourselves to our core. Practicing mindfulness teaches us to become aware of when we are out of connection. When that happens, we tend to panic, freeze up, overthink, and rush. So, in these moments, connect to the breath, giving yourself space to respond and reconnect with your purpose or values.

Yoga isn't about executing the poses perfectly or having the best balance. Yoga is like learning to breathe again. Yoga is an act of presence. Yoga is taking a moment from your stressful, upbeat life and remembering you have a soul that needs tending to. Yoga is about connection.

I hope this holiday season we can all connect or (re) connect with our values and purpose and find a sense of calm and relax!

When the Answer is No, Turn it into a Not Yet

By Theresa Giunta, CMPC

What happens when you do everything possible, train harder, get stronger, yet you still get cut from the team?
What happens when you improved from last year, but you still don’t make the varsity team?
What happens when your role is different from what you expected or wanted it to be?
What if your best is not good enough?

All of these scenarios are hard to experience and can produce feelings of sadness, frustration, confusion, and
self-doubt: which are all normal and valid. And though these experiences offer an opportunity to lean into your
emotions, you need to embrace your strengths, and say yes to the opportunity for growth and new experiences. That
all starts with a mindset shift.

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