Ava's Mindfulness Moments

Ava, a 13-year-old shooting guard from San Francisco, was a rising star in her basketball league. Known for her sharp shooting skills and quick reflexes, she had a promising future in the sport. However, Ava often experienced anxiety during practices, worrying excessively about making mistakes and letting her team down. Her anxiety manifested as a tightness in her chest, a racing heart, and a constant barrage of negative thoughts.

Ava’s school counselor noticed her distress and suggested she try mindfulness techniques to help manage her anxiety. Ava was unfamiliar with mindfulness but was willing to give it a try. The counselor taught her simple exercises like focusing on her breath, being aware of her surroundings, and practicing gratitude.

Ava started incorporating mindfulness into her daily routine. Before practice, she would spend a few minutes sitting quietly, focusing on her breath and grounding herself in the present moment. During practice, if she felt overwhelmed, she would pause, take a deep breath, and refocus her mind. These small moments of mindfulness helped her stay calm and centered.

Gradually, Ava noticed a change in how she approached basketball. She was less consumed by her fears of making mistakes and more present in the moment. Her anxiety decreased, allowing her to enjoy the game and play more freely. Her performance improved, and she became a more resilient player, able to bounce back quickly from setbacks.

Ava's story spread through her team, and soon, her teammates were curious about mindfulness. She shared her practices with them, and they began incorporating mindfulness into their routines. The team became more focused and cohesive, with each player feeling more supported in managing their mental health.

Please remember, while techniques like these can be helpful, they are not a substitute for professional mental health advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional.