Mental Health Tools for On and Off the Pole Vault Runway
Judgment is reactive where we don't learn anything new. But Curiosity seeks to understand! As a pole vaulter, anytime we can collect more data we not only perform better, we feel better during the process.
Use the band as a reminder to be curious about your performance, practices and attempts. Then if you're feeling wild, try using it off the track.
Story
I was one of those pole vaulters who was incredibly hard on myself. Nothing was ever good enough to the point, even if I won, I'd be more focused on the things that didn't go right. It got to the point where the sport wasn't very fun anymore.
A sports psychologist suggested replacing this, judgment with curiosity. I was reluctant but gave it a shot. When the bar fell and I started beating myself up, I paused and thought, "What made the bar fall down?"
Oh, the pole was too small. Ok let's move up! I made the next bar and was sold.
I started trying this in every aspect of my life and would you believe it, I started feeling better!
Overall, replacing judgment with curiosity has been shown to cultivate a more positive mindset, reduce conflict, increase your self-awareness, and improve your relationships with others. It can also help you to approach life with a sense of wonder and exploration, leading to more fulfillment and satisfaction.
Besides looking awesome here are three ways to use this band as a tool to vault higher
1. Give it a snap!
As pole vaulters, we get in our heads a lot. After talking to many sports psychologists and mental health experts, keeping the mind and the body in the same place can improve performance.
When you notice your mind in the future or the past, give the band a little snap to bring the mind and body back together, take a deep breath and focus on the sensation for 15-30 seconds. The mind and body work best when they're working together!
2. Switch Wrists
This one comes from Sports Psychology guru Robert Andrews. As athletes, we can be incredibly self-critical. One way to help with negative or critical thoughts is by bringing awareness to these thoughts.
When you notice negative self-talk, switch the band to the other wrist. You might find yourself doing this 100 times on the first day, which is good!
Over time you'll develop more awareness of these thoughts which breaks the stream and lessons the negative chatter. As you can imagine, your performance will improve as you lessen the chatter of the bully in your mind.
3. Grounding
A common PTSD technique to help “Get out of your head” when we have big emotions and difficult thoughts that create an internal storm. This can be especially true when moving up poles, competing at big meets, or attempting something you've never done.
The technique is to find 5 things you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste. You can use the bands colors, patterns, and textures to help.
Grounding can help calm the storm. It's easier to vault in the sun with a killer tailwind!
Keep your focus and stay on track with this Pole Vault band. Made with a cloth elastic for a comfortable fit. Perfect for pole vaulters of all levels, this bracelet is a great way to show your passion for the sport or to send as a gift.
Features:
- Durable materials
- Suitable for all levels
- Sizing - S/M fits 80% of all people.
Price: $9.99
Shipping: Free shipping on all domestic orders over $60
