Mental Resilience & Performance Anxiety: Helping Young Athletes Thrive
Episode 124, Mar 11, 12:18 PM
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Episode Summary:
What’s the difference between pre-game jitters and full-blown performance anxiety? How can parents, coaches, and schools better support young athletes in high-pressure environments? In this must-listen episode, Dr. Virginia Jones and Dr. Brenna Chirby, two top clinical psychologists specializing in sports psychology, break down mental resilience strategies that help student-athletes perform at their best—on and off the field.
Key Takeaways:
What’s the difference between pre-game jitters and full-blown performance anxiety? How can parents, coaches, and schools better support young athletes in high-pressure environments? In this must-listen episode, Dr. Virginia Jones and Dr. Brenna Chirby, two top clinical psychologists specializing in sports psychology, break down mental resilience strategies that help student-athletes perform at their best—on and off the field.
Key Takeaways:
- The fine line between healthy nerves and performance anxiety
- Mental skills that top athletes use to manage pressure (and how your child can too!)
- The parent’s role in reducing stress and preventing burnout
- Why social media fuels performance pressure—and how to keep it in check
- Growth mindset hacks that turn setbacks into comebacks
This episode is for you if…
You’re a parent, coach, or educator supporting student-athletes
You’re a parent, coach, or educator supporting student-athletes
- Your child struggles with anxiety before competitions or performances
- You believe mental resilience is just as important as physical training
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
The Art of Screen Time – A recommended book for parents on managing social media use
The Art of Screen Time – A recommended book for parents on managing social media use
- Dr. Becky’s Social Media Insights – Follow Dr. Becky for parenting strategies
- Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) – A mental training approach used by both guests
- Visualization Exercises from Michael Phelps and Simone Biles – Learn about their techniques
- Research on Performance Anxiety in Athletes – Nationwide Children's Guide
- Win Some, Lose Most – A recommended mindset for young athletes
Connect with Our Guests:
Dr. Virginia Jones & Dr. Brenna Chirby
- Website: Mind Balance Sport
Stay Connected with Host Wendy Taylor:
- Instagram: @learningessentials
- LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
- Facebook: Learning Essentials
- Website: Learning Essentials
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