Mental keys to perform better in swimming

 It often happens, especially in high competition, that the difference between two athletes is negligible. These small distances that separate a winner from the rest can be in the way of thinking and in the mentality when competing. To improve in this sense, even being an amateur swimmer, you can apply the following mental keys to perform better in swimming.

Swimming is, par excellence, one of the most complete sports. It is because, during its practice, a large number of muscle groups are put into operation, both from the upper and lower body, including also the middle part.

Beyond this physical component, it is also a discipline with marked mental components with lifeguard recertification. To such an extent it is so that it has a very positive impact on a person's brain health.

Mental keys to perform better in swimming

Precisely because of what was previously mentioned, it is very convenient for athletes to have certain mental keys at hand that come out to 'help' them when things get difficult. In these cases, conviction and mental toughness are needed to withstand the setbacks that can occur in a competition.

Even when things are going well, it takes focus, confidence, and determination to be a successful swimmer. This applies to other sports as well, and even to life itself.

Below, we will detail some strategies that can be decisive the next time you compete:

Three Techniques Professionals Recommend

There are three strategies that sports psychologists often recommend to their patients. The first is visualization; It consists of imagining oneself in a situation coming out the winner. It can be, for example, the execution of a turn or the start of a race.

The second strategy is positive self-talk. In this case, what should be done is to answer the questions themselves in a positive way. It is very useful for individual sports, such as swimming.

Finally, we are also going to highlight the “If…, then…” technique. It consists, as its name indicates, of thinking in advance of possible solutions to the difficulties we may face. Thus, we will be mentally prepared for any circumstance, which will increase our confidence.

1. Stay focused and motivated

One of the factors that most affect sports performance is motivation; that is, an individual's internal desire to achieve her goals. It is an essential element to give the best of oneself and constructively face whatever comes up both victories and triumphs.

Closely linked to motivation is concentration, something that is fundamental in a sport like swimming. A swimmer must be focused so as not to lose the coordination of his actions at any time; this could lead to losing valuable seconds that could leave you behind his competitors.

To exercise these important points, an athlete can resort to different techniques. In the first place, it will be necessary to establish clear, achievable, and measurable goals; each achievement achieved is one more motivational incentive.

Likewise, there are attention control works that are very effective in these areas. You can also take advantage of the various relaxation techniques and the already mentioned visualization and inner dialogue.

2. Don't forget to enjoy

Many times, between the nerves that competition generates in us or the need to focus as much as possible, we lose sight of how wonderful practicing sports is. However, it is very positive for motivation and general mental well-being to stop and think about how much we enjoy what we are doing.

With that mindset always in mind, even in bad times, you'll get through difficulties with less effort and even feel like you're making significant improvements quickly. The mind is what marks the way for us; Use your feelings in your favor!

3. Rest and relax before competing

Sport is directly related to the nervous system; just as it produces relaxing sensations when practicing it, it can 'betray' us and make us feel anxious, stressed, and tense, especially before competing.

How to deal with these feelings? In the first place, although it is contradictory, we must reduce the intensity of physical work in the days before a competition. If you have a coach, he will know how to guide you so that you do not go overboard with the demands.

Likewise, it is advisable to dine on foods that induce sleep and that generate satiety; In this way, you will be able to rest better and be more lucid when competing. Therefore, fish, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and low-fat meats are advisable; on the contrary, avoid coffee and alcohol.

Finally, of course, take care of your rest hours and eat a healthy diet. Although they are not specifically mental keys to perform better in swimming, you will see that they will affect your safety, confidence, and tranquility to focus only on the sports level.

In short, nothing guarantees success, and you should know it. These mental keys are intended to contribute to the set of factors that an athlete must take into account to improve their performance and, thus, their chances of success. Try these strategies and stick with the ones that give you the best results!