Forming healthy habits - or kicking unhealthy ones - is something that everyone struggles with at some point in their lives. I became interested in habits and behaviour change at a young age, wondering why it can be so difficult to do something that appears simple, or why we keep doing things that we don't … Continue reading Practical tips for creating healthy habits #1
Author: Chloe Oldfield PT
Article on self-compassion in sport
Recently I wrote an article for top sport psychology website Believe Perform. This article covers how self-compassion can be the antidote to low self-esteem, and builds resilience in the face of adversities in sport. See the article here: https://believeperform.com/performance/self-compassion-in-sport/
Athletics and identity: My own reflections
I'm not certain of my reason for writing this, but I thought someone might resonate with some aspect of it. A lot of people who have known me a while know me as "a runner," and until recently I would have defined myself that way. I have run for 11 years, and it has been … Continue reading Athletics and identity: My own reflections
What is exercise psychology, and why is it for me?
Sport psychology is an increasingly well-known field today, however exercise psychology lags behind in its exposure. If you have ever asked one of these two questions: "what on earth is exercise psychology?" or "why would I see an exercise psychologist?" then read on. What is exercise psychology? You may have read a little about exercise … Continue reading What is exercise psychology, and why is it for me?
Challenge versus threat: The power of perspective
I recently wrote a blog post about the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques for performance anxiety, and how suppressing the anxiety may not be the answer for everyone. I am continuing my discussion of this topic with a detour into the physiology behind performance anxiety and how it is possible to tweak your … Continue reading Challenge versus threat: The power of perspective
How to practise effectively
I was talking to a successful golf pro recently, and he raised the issue of practising well. He mentioned that in his experience, developing good practice processes is a topic that is often ignored, despite its importance. Practising a skill in a sport might well sound simple. In my view, the fact that it sounds simple … Continue reading How to practise effectively
Performance anxiety – suppress or embrace?
The idea of performance anxiety - butterflies, pre-race nerves, fear, dread, however you like to describe it - is aversive for many athletes. Admittedly, there is nothing instantly appealing about excess adrenaline and confidence-busting thoughts as you wait to tee off, take a penalty, toe the start line or walk onto the pitch. Indeed, research supports … Continue reading Performance anxiety – suppress or embrace?
Running with my values: Staying focused on what’s important
I've decided to write about my track session from this morning with the aim of reflecting upon how tapping into personal values can be a way of staying focused and committed throughout training/exercise sessions. Following my recent return to regular track training, having been training erratically due to a hectic schedule, I decided to challenge … Continue reading Running with my values: Staying focused on what’s important
Why goals aren’t enough
Goals are an incredibly effective aid to behaviour change - they guide and motivate people, plus they provide a way of monitoring progress. I set goals with all of my clients, whether these involve changes in small habits or achieving long-term outcomes. I also set goals for myself with my own training, for the same reasons … Continue reading Why goals aren’t enough
Running Magazine article
Recently I have been kindly given the opportunity by a friend to write training and psychology articles for Running Magazine. Here is my first - check it out and look out for the magazine if you are into running 🙂 Training Q&A - July-Aug 2017 Running mag
