How To Help Hitters Beat Anxiety

In this episode, I am joined by Ben Clemens of Fangraphs. 

We discuss analyzing players, why data isn’t perfect, and the trade deadline. 

You can listen here: 

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Anxiety is the enemy of every hitter.

There are 2 different kinds of anxieties.

1.     Good Kind

The kind where hitters get butterflies in their stomachs before their game or as they walk up to home plate.

We like that type of anxiety; I’d be worried if a hitter didn’t have that.

2.     Bad Kind

This is the anxiety that sometimes takes over the second a hitter steps in the box.

Examples: 

• Become defensive
• They freeze up
• Don’t swing
• Overswing
• Overthink

Sometimes, even…swing at the first pitch to get the AB over.

Yes, that’s the anxiety we want to demolish for good, #2.

But how?

“The answer to every problem lies within the problem itself.”

I heard that quote recently and think it’s very applicable.

There are 3 ways to beat anxiety.

• Awareness
• Acceptance
• Perspective

Most people want prescriptions.

• Meditation
• Journaling
• Visualization

All of those are correct, and they can work.

But ultimately, we want to power the individual and not rely on a prescription.

  1.     Awareness

To find a solution, we must first realize there’s a problem.

That starts with awareness.

How does your body feel when the anxiety arises?  

What specific part of your body?

What environment triggers your anxiety the most?

Being aware of triggers of anxiety is essential and leads to #2. 

2.     Acceptance

To cure anxiety, we must face the anxiety itself.

Head on.

We must recognize the anxiety and pay its respects; don’t fight it, accept it.

When you’re fighting the anxiety, you’re giving it what it wants; it wants attention. The more you fight it, the bigger it becomes.

That’s why we must recognize it’s there and accept it, let it run through your body.

Don’t worry about what words come through your mind when the anxiety happens; you can’t control those.

So, you become aware of the anxiety, the situation it arises in, and where specifically in your body you feel it. Instead of looking for a prescription, you accept the anxiety, don’t fight it, and let it run through your body.

You’re not going to get rid of anxiety; you're just going to get better at managing it. 

3.     Perspective

This is the most underrated one, but it is very effective. Sometimes, we are so ingrained in our world that we forget to have a good perspective.

Instead of trying to give yourself perspective, imagine your best friend is in your situation; what advice would you give him or her?

Now, take that advice and apply it to yourself.

Summary

3 ways to combat anxiety:

1.     Awareness

2.     Acceptance

3.     Perspective 

Whenever you're ready, there's 2 ways I can help you:

1. Remote Training: An individualized hitting program built for you to achieve your goals. 

2. Work With Me In Cincinnati, Ohio: Individualized hitting program to help you reach your potential.