You know that feeling you get right before the curtain goes up—palms sweating and your heart pounding? Stress often accompanies performance, but it needn’t be debilitating. In a recent study, mindfulness meditation—actively tuning in to the body and breath in a still position—proved helpful in reducing stress reactions in athletes. Scientists measured the stress levels of professional cyclists before and after two months of mindfulness training. The results indicated that while the athletes still recognized stressors, they exhibited less anxiety. Taking a few moments to close your eyes, taking a few deep breaths and noticing how your body feels can have a positive impact on your performance.
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