Twirl like no one is watching

This post is designed specifically for baton twirling athletes, although these principles can be applied to any sport or athletic endeavor!

Have you ever felt a sense of ease and flow in certain moments when you're twirling?

When your focus is entirely on the baton and its movements - no thoughts, worries, fears or insecurities intruding into your mind?

Whether or not you are alone, you feel like you are twirling with no one watching.

Your mind is focused but peaceful.

When this happens, it almost feels supernatural. But it is actually a natural, physiological state - it's called the flow state.

When you are in this flow state your brain:

1. Doesn't think these kind of thoughts: what is that person thinking of me", "how does this make me look" - also known as "self referential thinking".

   
   

2. Gets fully absorbed in the task you are doing - your focus turns inward, instead of paying attention to the outside world,

4. Loses track of time - as your sense of self fades into the background, time matters less

The flow state is important for athletic performance because it happens alongside a release of dopamine in the body, which is the "reward" neurotransmitter.

When we activate dopamine we feel a sense of accomplishment and meaning towards our goals.

We feel more in control, have a clear sense of direction, and importantly our stress response is reduced.

To have a strong performance, we can't be highly activated in a stress state (e.g. fight, flight, freeze). We want to be calm but focused. That is what the flow state gives us.

This guided practice will help you to activate the flow state more often in your training and competition. Listen to it several times a week, and you will find that your routine starts to flow more and more easily!

Happy twirling!