Why Sports Psychology Is Also Important For Non-athletes

Exercise requires both physical and mental effort. It helps children grow up healthy and adults stay in shape, physically and mentally. But it’s not always easy to find the motivation, and that’s where sports psychology comes into play.

You don’t have to be an Olympic medalist like Michael Phelps to understand that “don’t let yourself be limited. The more you dream, the further you go.”

Whether you do it to make yourself feel better, because you like it, or because you need it, exercise is important throughout your life.

Why should you learn about sports psychology?

While learning about sports psychology is especially useful in sports, these tools can be used in other areas of life as well. You will soon understand how valuable they can be, even if you don’t play sports.

But first, it is important to distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Then we can apply the concepts more effectively.

Intrinsic motivation

Intrinsic motivation, according to Sánchez-Oliva et al (2010, University of Extremadura), can be defined as the individual’s involvement in an activity, or the degree to which the individual shows initiative. In other words, you are doing it for the simple satisfaction of participating in the activity.

In the same vein, Sans and Frattarola in Training Children in Soccer (2000, Paidotribo) suggest that intrinsic or internal motivation is helpful in improving performance. When motivation comes from within, it satisfies the need to pursue a goal.

Logically, one needs specific knowledge to know when and how to encourage intrinsic motivation in people. What moves them? What are their interests? That way, you can tailor the tasks to their specific needs.

Extrinsic motivation

Let us now consider what we can understand by extrinsic motivation according to Sánchez-Oliva et al (2010).

This type of motivation arises when the person is looking for some kind of benefit that would contribute to personal growth. However, the reason for performing the action is to obtain an external reward, such as avoiding guilt.

For example, some people practice a sport because they were influenced by other people. Performance, attitudes and motivation therefore vary greatly between players and coaches.

All of these factors have a dramatic effect on the improvement of athletic skills. That’s what Cruz Feliu explains in Psychological Advice to Coaches: Experience in Children’s Basketball (1994).

Extrinsic motivation comes from outside, imposed by other people. This can be friends, family members, teammates, coaches etc.

Ten reasons to use sports psychology in your daily life

Psychologist and personal trainer Jonathan García-Allen lists ten reasons why you should apply sports psychology to your daily life. See below which these are and discover their advantages for yourself.

Ideal mental state

Sports psychology allows you to achieve an ideal mental state. In addition to being in shape, you also need mental preparation to exert yourself physically, especially when you have to compete with others. In the field of psychology, this is known as the optimal level of functioning.

Ratification

Positive reinforcement improves self-esteem. It is also a basic principle in learning psychological techniques and skills.

Goals

You can use sports psychology to achieve your goals. With proper planning and realistic goals, it’s much easier to take the steps you need to get there. This also gives you confidence and increases your self-esteem.

group cohesion

Group cohesion is beneficial in team or group sports because it allows groups to work together better. If the team is united, it will be better. It improves athletic performance and reduces internal problems.

Self-instruction

Self-instruction can increase motivation and improve skills. According to García-Allen, it can help you get rid of bad habits. It is also an ideal means of improving your concentration, focusing on your goal, improving your performance and dealing with the exhaustion that comes with exercising.

Visualization

Another important reason to implement sports psychology in your life is visualization. Mental training helps with any anxiety and can even improve your performance.

Stress management

Exercise is a great way to manage stress. While the actual part of the competition involves stressful situations, an active lifestyle is generally much healthier.

It helps you do your tasks more efficiently and it is stress relieving. It helps you respond better to complex situations and achieve your goals in all areas of life.

Improves concentration

Sports psychology is a great way to improve your concentration and performance. All you need is good emotional regulation, a strong will and an optimal learning environment. Only then can you overcome the most difficult parts of sports.

More productive emotions

Physical activity also stimulates more productive emotions. This is because your mental state is a determining factor in how you perform in competitions.

That’s why it’s important to generate productive emotions that help you do your best. For this, stay far away from anger, disappointment and fear. Instead, let positivity enter your mind during physical activity.

Recovery Support

Sports psychology can support athletes as they recover from injury. It is very important for athletes to accept that they are injured and need to rest. Professionals have to work hard in this regard so as not to lose motivation. The result is a better recovery, both physically and psychologically.

Sports psychology involves a lot of work

You may have noticed that it takes a lot of work to incorporate sports psychology into your daily life. But it is extremely useful if you want to perform at your best, whether you are a pro or a passionate amateur. That said, besides the psychological aspect, of course, proper physical training is also needed to achieve your athletic goals.

However, while physical skills are very important, you will never be able to perform optimally if you do not strengthen them with emotional, technical, strategic and psychological training.

Properly targeted mental agility is a very important part of athletic pursuits, which is why sports psychology is so useful.