When nervous, frustrated or angry in a pressure packed golf situation, golfers tend to mentally and physically freeze, tense their bodies and hold their breath. When there is tension, the body cannot move smoothly and efficiently. Tension can cause a variety of swing problems including poor club head speed, incorrect swing path and faulty clubface alignment at impact.
Deep breathing used in sports, yoga, meditation, improving health, and reducing pain is the normal, natural process of breathing done at a deeper level. The average adult breathes with the top half of their lungs. Breathing from the chest is our natural response to a situation where we need to defend ourselves or take flight.
Breathing high in the chest causes tension and tightness in the upper body, restricting the backswing. When these shoulder muscles are loose and relaxed there is less tension. Less tension creates greater club head speed. Greater club head speed creates more distance. When you hold your breath, you restrict the momentum you have created with your backswing.
Your breathing is a good indicator of your feelings and thinking patterns. Proper breathing can relieve stress-related symptoms such as performance anxiety. For consistent golf, it is important to keep your breathing even. Proper breathing can prevent nervousness and improve your short game motor skills when the pressure is on.
Pay attention to how you breathe. If your stomach area is not filling up with air, you are not breathing the most efficient way for your mental, emotional and physical health. Notice when you are relaxed while watching TV how your stomach expands outward when you breathe in, and collapses when you exhale.
Breathing in deep, long breaths sends the incoming oxygen to every part of the body, refreshing and relaxing every cell. Whenever you want to focus in the moment, take several long, deep breaths. Now is the only time we have. Use natural deep breathing to experience the joy of the moment by releasing all perceived stress and anxiety as you exhale.
Improve your breathing technique and relaxation skill by listening to the PMI self-hypnosis CD “Progressive Relaxation of the Mind & Body” in the privacy of your own home.
Order today at http://www.pmi4.com/cart
Leave a Reply