I read this article a day or two ago; and it mentions box breathing. Huh? It sounds like packing up a pair of lungs for shipping! But of course it means something else.

Box breathing can help ease tension and anxiety; you don\’t need any special equipment to do it — not even a box! — and you can do it anytime, anywhere.

Come to think of it, I\’ve used box breathing without knowing it! Many years ago, I discovered that breathing in this manner is helpful in getting rid of the hiccups; and for some reason I\’m quite prone to the hiccups.

Try box breathing for pre-race jitters; or before going to sleep; or any time you feel on edge. Maybe it would help me to brace myself before a ride on a cold, windy day!

I\’m not into racing

Reading the Race

but for many years I played a musical instrument. It took a long time for me to realize that getting nervous before a performance is natural; and that it\’s nothing to be ashamed of. I\’m sure that pre-race nervousness is no different.

Have a race (recital, etc.) approaching? It\’s important to acknowledge far in advance that, when the time comes, you\’ll be nervous. Accept the nervousness as normal; natural; and part of the game. In fact, don\’t \”try not to get nervous\”, because that only makes you more tense.

When that shivery sensation creeps in, tell yourself: OK; so I\’m nervous. It\’s nothing to be ashamed about; and it doesn\’t mean that I\’m not any good. Remember, too, that you aren\’t alone; and that everybody gets nervous. So take a deep breath; forget the nerves; and focus on the task at hand. In fact, box breathing!