võistlusärevusega

Võistlusärevus, also known as performance anxiety, is a psychological condition characterized by intense nervousness, worry, and fear experienced before or during a competitive event. This can manifest in various situations, including sports, public speaking, academic tests, or artistic performances. The core of võistlusärevus lies in the fear of failure, judgment, or not meeting one's own or others' expectations.

Symptoms of võistlusärevus can be physical, cognitive, and emotional. Physical manifestations may include a racing heart, sweating, trembling, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Cognitively, individuals might experience intrusive negative thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and a blank mind. Emotionally, feelings of dread, irritability, and a sense of being overwhelmed are common.

While some level of nervousness before a performance is normal and can even be beneficial by enhancing focus, võistlusärevus becomes problematic when the anxiety is excessive and significantly impairs performance. It can lead to avoidance of competitive situations, decreased enjoyment of activities, and a negative impact on overall well-being.

Various factors can contribute to the development of võistlusärevus, including personality traits like perfectionism or low self-esteem, past negative experiences in competitive settings, and learned behaviors from parents or coaches. Understanding the causes and symptoms is the first step towards managing this condition.

Effective strategies for managing võistlusärevus often involve a combination of psychological techniques. These can include cognitive restructuring to challenge negative thought patterns, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness, visualization exercises to mentally rehearse successful performances, and adequate preparation to build confidence. In some cases, professional help from a sport psychologist or therapist may be beneficial.