Preparing mentally for a big challenge
When it comes to facing a physical challenge, like the MS Mighty Swim, we can take all the necessary steps to prepare ourselves physically but are you ready to face the challenge mentally?
Mental preparation is one of the most important things we can do to help us get ready for a challenge. Mindful techniques help us to manage stress and improve participation and performance.
Here are some tips to help you mentally prepare for the MS Mighty Swim.
Lean on your team
The MS Mighty Swim is a team event, don’t forget that! Your team will be there for support and to cheer you on at the event. Share your goals with your teammates and reach out to them for advice if you need it.
Believe you can do it
The way you speak to yourself before and during a challenge will influence your behaviour on the day. Set yourself up for success by talking through the event in a positive, uplifting way. Visualise your path to success and picture yourself overcoming any barriers that might get in the way. This positive self-talk and visualisation can give you the motivation you need to achieve your goal and to continue when you reach an obstacle.
Stay focused
Know what you have to do and be dedicated. Identify the individual steps you need to take to reach your goal. Learn to ignore the factors you don’t have control over such as the weather and instead focus on what you need to do in that moment.
It’s natural for our mind to wander, this is what the mind does. However, if we are not aware this is happening, we can end up feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Mindfulness is paying attention to the now. Practice noticing when your thoughts are automatically drifting off and then redirect your attention back to the present moment.
Take note of how you’re feeling
Some people find writing about their goals, progress, successes, and setbacks is a useful motivator. Journaling and writing things down can also be a great way to understand how you respond to certain obstacles and helps you create a plan to deal with them.
Be your own biggest cheerleader
Celebrate your accomplishments! We often seek the approval of our friends and family. We look to them for support and encouragement. But the truth is, you can’t control people’s reactions. Being your own biggest cheerleader is the greatest thing you can do for yourself.
Get prepared
Start small and work your way toward your bigger goal. If you’ve been following along each week and giving the weekly challenges a go, you’re already on your way. Here’s what we’ve covered so far to help you prepare for the MS Mighty Swim:
Get mentally prepared for the MS Mighty Swim with these helpful resources
Join our MS Nurse, June for a special mindfulness and meditation session. This session is called 'Our inner self: letting it be'. Put aside 15 minutes for yourself, find a quiet place and get comfortable. Watch the meditation here >
Get started with mindfulness with our Mindful Week Activity Planner which has a mindful activity for you to practice each day. Once you’ve completed your mindful week, reflect on how you feel. Download here >
Meditation and breathing exercises are both great ways to practice staying focused and paying attention to the present moment. Try our 4 Minute Stress Release Meditation. Download here >
