Exercise For When You Are Really Nervous and Overwhelmed

I've seen firsthand how nerves can impact training, disrupt sleep, and, most crucially, affect performance in the ring. This exercise stands out as one of the most effective methods to quickly shift your focus from anxious thoughts to the present moment, helping you regain control and clarity. Try it now.

Use this technique in moments where you feel overwhelming nerves and anxiety, such as:

• The Days Leading Up to the Fight: When thoughts of the upcoming fight cause fear and panic, this exercise becomes a powerful tool to shift your attention back to the present moment, helping you maintain focus and composure.

• Just Before Walking Out for Your Fight: When the pressure is mounting and your heart rate is up, this exercise can help ground you, bringing your focus back to the task at hand.

• In Between Rounds: During the brief pauses in a fight, it's vital to refocus and center yourself. This method can be a quick and effective way to shed off the stress of the previous round and prepare mentally for the next.

• Before and During Sparring: It helps in stabilising your emotions, keeping you calm and focused, and allows you to perform at your best without being hindered by overwhelming feelings.

By incorporating this exercise into your routine, you can learn to manage the inevitable nerves that come with competition, ensuring they don't overpower your skills and training.

Exercise For Relaxation & Rest: How To Calm Your Mind

Through my extensive experience coaching over 100 fighters, I understand the struggle many face with restlessness and stress, particularly during periods of intense training or in the lead-up to a fight. Exercise 2 is specifically designed to address these challenges, offering a peaceful escape from the mental whirlwind.

This exercise harnesses the power of mindful breathing and body scanning to induce a state of deep relaxation. It's particularly beneficial in situations like:

• The Night Before the Fight: If you're lying in bed with racing thoughts about the upcoming bout, this technique can be a powerful tool to calm your mind, allowing for a restful sleep.

• Weight Cuts: When the physical and mental demands are high, this technique can help alleviate stress, aiding in both mental and physical recovery.

• Post-Training Wind Down: After intense training sessions, this exercise can be the perfect way to bring your body and mind back to a state of calm, enhancing recovery and improving sleep quality.

By incorporating these mindful practices into your daily routine, you can gain better control over your stress responses, improve your focus, and maintain a clear head in all aspects of your training.

Exercise For Confidence: Affirmations and Self-Belief

Self-doubt and fluctuating motivation levels can be significant barriers to your training, sparring, and peak performance in the ring. Exercise 3 is crafted to empower you, transforming your mindset into one of your greatest strengths.

This exercise centers around the use of positive affirmations and gratitude practices to build a positive, resilient mindset. It’s especially useful in scenarios like:

• When Doubting Abilities: If you find yourself questioning your skills or potential, this technique can reinforce self-belief and confidence.

• Preparation for Upcoming Fights: In the buildup to a fight, when nerves and pressure can overshadow your capabilities, these affirmations and gratitude exercises help maintain a positive outlook.

• During Training Lulls: On days when motivation to train is low, use this practice can provide the mental boost needed to stay committed and focused.

• Post-Competition Reflection: Whether after a win or a loss, focusing on gratitude can help you maintain a balanced perspective, learn from the experience, and prepare for future challenges with a constructive mindset.

Incorporating these mental exercises into your routine can significantly enhance your mental fortitude. They are not just tools for temporary motivation; they are practices for cultivating a long-term positive mindset, essential for success both in and out of the ring