Being in the best state pre-race is an important skill to develop. If you are too anxious your body will tense up and your motor skills will be less effective. On the other hand if you are too relaxed you will respond slowly to important cues such as the starting lights. You need to have just the right amount of energy coursing thorough your body for peak performance.
It is important to understand that everyone’s zone of optimal performance is different. Some drivers might like to hype themselves up with music or skipping whilst others prefer to lie in a dark place for five minutes to get themselves focused. It depends on what works for you.
A simple technique is outlined for you to try below:
Simple Technique One: The Centering Technique
The centering technique is a breathing technique designed to produce physical balance and mental focus. Centering involves a deep breath (from the stomach not the chest), an awareness of muscle tension, and a strong exhalation to relax the muscles. The use of self-talk ensures attentional control or mental focus.
The Centering Technique
Step 1: Whilst sitting make sure your feet are flat on the floor.
Step 2: Sit up in a straight position with your shoulders back.
Step 3: Expel the air from your lungs until you are unable to breathe out anymore,
empty your lungs in preparation for your first deep breath.
Step 4:Place your hand on your stomach.
Step 5: Take a deep breath through your mouth, breathe into your stomach
filling your stomach with air.
Step 6:: Focus on the physiological sensations of breathing, feel your
head getting lighter, and pay attention to your body filling with oxygen.
Step 7:Forcefully and fully expel the air from your stomach through your mouth.
Step 8: As you breathe out focus your attention on how you would like
to feel, for example you may say “focused and energized” or “confident and relaxed”.
Step 9: Keep focusing on your physiological response, feel your perspective
coming back into your life and your stress being released as well
as your relaxation increasing.
Step 10:: Repeat this process two more times and really
pay attention to the physiological changes that are taking
place within your body.
Step 11: Bring your focus to the task.
Step 12: Practice this technique 16 times EVERY DAY for TWO WEEKS!
If you do this it will become automatic. You will be able to
achieve a deeper state of relaxation and focus.
Leave your comments below and let me know how you
get on with this technique. Also let me know any techniques
that you find really effective for focusing your attention
and energy before a race.
Keep Racing!
Robin
www.f1driverssecrets.com
P.S. Don’t underestimate this technique just because
of it’s simplicity, it is powerful, effective and works really well!
P.P.S. Sorry not the most exciting picture in the world
but it definitely helps get the message about the importance
of energy levels!
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