Mia's Music Motivation

Mia, a 15-year-old point guard from Los Angeles, was known for her speed and agility on the court. However, she struggled with intense pressure during games, which often led to debilitating anxiety. The expectations from her coach, teammates, and even herself felt overwhelming. Before each game, Mia's anxiety would manifest as a tight chest, sweaty palms, and a racing mind filled with doubts about her abilities.

One day, after a particularly rough game, Mia confided in her coach about her struggles. Understanding the importance of mental well-being, her coach suggested she find something that made her feel relaxed and happy. Knowing Mia's love for music, he encouraged her to create a pre-game playlist of her favourite songs—songs that made her feel confident and motivated.

Mia spent an afternoon carefully selecting songs that uplifted her spirits and energised her. She included a mix of upbeat tracks and motivational anthems. The next game day, Mia put on her headphones and listened to her playlist during her warm-up routine. As the music filled her ears, she felt her anxiety start to melt away. The familiar beats and lyrics provided a comforting distraction from her nerves.

Listening to her playlist became a ritual for Mia. Before every game and during breaks in training, she would retreat into her musical sanctuary. The songs helped her establish a positive mindset and created a sense of routine that signaled to her brain it was time to play. Her anxiety began to lessen, and she found herself approaching games with excitement rather than fear.

Mia's performance on the court improved as well. She played with more confidence and composure, making smarter decisions and executing plays with precision. Her teammates noticed the change and were curious about her newfound calmness. Mia shared her strategy, and soon, several players adopted the practice of listening to music before games. It created a supportive atmosphere where everyone felt more at ease.

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.