helps us imagine what the event will be like and manage the difficulties that are most likely to arise. Seeing ourselves at the finish line motivates us to reach it by knowing how good it will feel to have finished. Creating mantras powerfully taps into hidden strengths greater than ourselves by evoking a loved one or a belief we want to have about ourselves. Breaking a task into smaller manageable parts can also be effective. Self-care factors into this as well; we must recognize that proper nutrition and sleeping habits are vital to our success. Common techniques that are read- ily available work well for many. For others, struggling with troubling self-doubts, EMDR can provide relief and take you to the next level.
Elite athletes often discuss the mental aspect of competing. With hours and hours of training, we can develop a degree of confi- dence in what our bodies can do. The hours of training lay the foundation for performance on race day but the mental strength to execute to the fullest of our ability can be overlooked. This sense of mastery derived from the contin- ued practice motivates us to do better and to feel okay with ourselves even when the going gets tough. The human body is capable of wondrous feats, but the human spirit is what allows us to really soar.
Michael Westfall is a licensed clinical social worker (and a 3:22 Marathoner) with a prac- tice in Manchester, CT. He has extensive expe- rience with children and teens but works with many adults and couples as well. In-network with most state and commercial insurances, he is accepting new clients at this time. Please visit his website:
michaelwestfall.com or call him at (860) 212-8923. See ad on page 27.
NaturalNutmeg.com 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48