In the world of sports, any advantage you can get can mean the difference between winning and losing.

You might be focused on improving your physical performance, but what about your mental strength? You need to be in the right mindset to handle the stress of practice, the concentration to perfect a play, and the quick reflexes needed to handle the ball.

That’s why it’s just as important to focus on your mental stamina as well as your physical prowess. There’s one simple way to do this: the power of meditation.

 

Meditation 101

Now, how exactly do you meditate?

You might envision a Buddhist monk on a mountain, with his legs folded and incense burning. In reality, meditation does not have to look like this to be effective.

It can be done by anyone, from children sitting on a couch to athletes in a locker room. The key is that you’re in a quiet place, sitting comfortably, and focusing internally.

Start off by breathing normally and focusing on the feeling of your breath coming in and out.

Next, you’ll notice that thoughts will begin to pop into your head. Instead of thinking about them, look at them like you would clouds floating across the sky. Watch them float away, and focus on the blue sky behind them.

It will take some practice, but sitting for 10 minutes at a time to take a break from reality will benefit you in more ways than you realize.

 

Benefits of Meditation

The benefits of meditation have been touted by many, from doctors to researchers to entrepreneurs. Some of these benefits include:

• Increased focus
• Lower levels of stress
• Faster reaction times
• Increased creativity

These benefits are especially effective in the world of sports, which is why it’s important for athletes to consider implementing it into their lives.

If you’re trying to get in the zone before your next game, there’s a good chance that meditation is the key!

 

Increased Focus

During an intense game, the action and sounds all around you can get quite overwhelming.

Through meditation, you can develop the skill to cut through the distractions. You’ll be able to focus on what you need to accomplish each step of the way, instead of getting distracted by the other players.

Over time, this ability to focus on what’s important will carry over to your life off the field.

 

Lower Levels of Stress

Another benefit of regular meditation are decreased stress levels.

During meditation you learn to focus internally, allow your brain to slow down, and let outer distractions fade away. Your heart rate slows down, you take deeper breaths, and your muscles loosen up. This way you become a more relaxed, centered athlete ready to take on any challenges that come your way.

 

Faster Reaction Times

Increased focus and lower stress levels let you to react to outside stimuli more quickly.

Since your mind is no longer distracted and your body isn’t as tense, you’re able to bring your full attention to the game and react accordingly. This way, you can keep an eye on your competition, make every play, and bring your A game 100% of the time.

 

Increased Creativity

You might think creativity is a skill that’s only important to artists, but it’s helpful on the field as well.

By enhancing your creativity, you can find unique solutions to problems on the field, come up with new strategies, or even predict what the opposing team might be planning.

Meditation increases your creative abilities by clearing other thoughts from your mind, creating room for new ideas to flow through. It’s similar to how sleeping on an idea or big decision can help you approach it with a clear mind.

Try meditating for a few minutes before your next team meeting and see what unique ideas you can bring to the table.

 

Athletes Who Meditate

If you choose to take up meditation as part of your training regimen, you’ll be in good company. There are dozens of professional athletes who have benefited from meditation.

If athletes of this caliber can increase their performance through meditation, imagine what it can do for you!

• Ben Simmons
• Carli Lloyd
• Derek Jeter
• Joe Namath
• LeBron James
• Stephen Curry
• The Seattle Seahawks

 

From scientists to world-class athletes, meditation has proven to be effective. This is why it makes sense to include meditation in your training regimen.

You can be in tip-top physical shape, but if your head isn’t in the game, you can only go so far. Give meditation a shot, and you’ll be on your way to becoming the best athlete you can possibly be.