Sports Performance- North Shore Hypnosis & Coaching
Hypnosis Works in Two Ways
Athletic sports performance can be enhanced through hypnosis.
First, through the mind/body connection. The subconscious mind is like a computer that directs all bodily functions and automatically accepts any image it receives as real and true. Once it “sees” the image of perfect performance it immediately sends electrical and chemical messages throughout the body, directing it to comply with what it perceives as real and true. Studies show actual duplication of muscle and nerve activity during imagery and even new neural growth as a result of imaging. This reinforces learning and improves performance automatically. It is not all in your mind. Actual physical changes occur as a result of hypnotic imagery.
Second, studies of top athletes recognize that their ability to perform with passion and emotion, while in a relaxed state, has a direct impact on their ability to perform so well. Performance is inhibited by stress and hypnosis teaches you to remove the blocks that inhibit peak performance.
Mental Rehearsal, regular visualization creates and reinforces the confidence necessary for top performance. The automatic nervous system performs in exactly the same manner in visualization as it does during a physical rehearsal. Neuromuscular coordination improves.
“What your mind can conceive, you can achieve” ​
Hypnosis can release any mental blocks, fears or limiting beliefs. Hypnosis also builds your personal self-confidence in yourself and your abilities, assisting you to focus on a successful outcome, instead of fearing a poor performance. One of the many effective tools used in hypnosis for athletic enhancement is called anchoring. A memory or image of athletic excellence is recalled or imagined. When the client mentally reaches the peak of that performance excellence, the associated emotion is anchored or reinforced, producing what is commonly known as muscle memory. That memory or positive feeling is then automatically released during your peak performance times.
Hypnosis also helps focus on the performance itself, eliminating outside distractions and self-sabotaging thoughts. Mental imagery is also incorporated into hypnosis for athletic performance. Some people are excellent at visualizing, while others are naturally kinesthetic or “feel” things. How would it feel to cross the finish line in your best time ever, or win the gold? What would you be feeling, thinking, seeing or hearing? Regardless of how you imagine a successful future event, your imagined success programs you for success.
Studies have shown that people use the same areas of the brain whether they actually perform or just visualize an action in their mind. Studies conducted by J. Stanos, a professor at Harvard University, proved the link between visualization and performance.
Competition can be intimidating and fear of humiliation can result in diminished skills. To overcome this, you can use self-hypnosis at any time during competition. Once you have learned sports hypnosis techniques you can utilize self-hypnosis in seconds. Most athletes have experienced the exhilarating feeling of being “in the zone” (groove, flow, etc.). When you use hypnosis you can be in the zone on command. Your opponents will never know you are using hypnosis in competition! Self-hypnosis is best learned under the guidance of a certified hypnotist who understands your blocks as well as your goals. Self-hypnosis includes the use of a powerful post-hypnotic suggestion or “trigger” that instantly accesses the success state you experienced while in hypnosis exactly when you need it. Hypnosis can dramatically improve your performance and your self-confidence. Begin today!