Hello, Game-Day! Goodbye, Game-Day anxiety!

Game-day's are probably some of the most anticipated times within a season. Our summers are full of running, shooting, learning, and bonding, all in an attempt to prepare ourselves for these very days. So, naturally, game-days are exciting, and rewarding, but for some of us, for me, they are also anxiety-ridden. This is currently my junior year of college basketball and during the process I have learned some things that keep me grounded throughout the day.

Writing is one of the things I take sanctuary in, and something that alleviates anxiety and stress for me during a game-day; and with my post today, I hope to help you find the thing that gets it done for you!

Today we play The University of Arkansas, at Arkansas, at 6:30 p.m. It is currently 2:30p.m. as I'm writing.

Away games normally start the day before with practice and travel. Yesterday, we had treatment at 7:15 a.m., followed by film at 8, weights at 8:30 and practice at 9. We finished practice around 11:20.

After practice they fed us a chicken meal, with salad and veggies on the side. Then, we showered, gathered our things and headed to the bus. We left our arena around 12:30 p.m., and started our drive to Fayetteville, Arkansas. We stopped at a truck stop two hours into the trip and continued on. When we arrived in Arkansas, we had dinner at a restaurant called Catfish Hole, and then headed to our hotel around 7:30.

This morning, we got right to it with breakfast at 9 a.m. Breakfast included biscuits, bacon, eggs, fruit, and even waffles. We had downtime after breakfast.

This is where my first anti-anxiety practice normally comes into affect. Sometimes, I'll just take a nap to decompress. This helps me as it reduces the spiral of negative thoughts that are sometimes paired with anxiety. So, if you can, take a nap! See if it helps.

We left for shoot-around at 11:40 a.m and got into the arena and began at noon.

Shoot-around exists to help teams visualize and prepare for their game later in the day. Our coaches do their part with making sure that we understand scout, defensive coverage, and our own offensive execution plan; but its just as imperative that we as players visualize ourselves succeeding on the court. So, and even if its just for a minute, visualize yourself playing your best on that court, and see if it helps.

Shoot-around lasted an hour and then we drove back to the hotel where we had our pre-game meal. We ate Olive Garden, and needless to say, my team and I were pleased.

Now is the time where we sit in our rooms for more downtime, and everyone partakes in their own pre-game ritual. This is where I begin to center my thoughts, and practice positive self-talk in my writing. Sometimes, I'll call my mom and/or dad for encouragement and prayers.

Writing may not be for you, but for me it's the one hobby that genuinely brings me peace. Choose a hobby during this time that relaxes you. See if that helps.

At 3:20, we begin treatment and taping. This is the "medicinal" side of things, an opportunity to help negate soreness, pain, and etc., before the game. This is the time in which my team and I have to get our ankles taped if you choose not to wear ankle braces. Following treatment, we are scheduled to leave at 5:00p.m.

During the bus ride, I put my headphones on and practice more visualization. We take the court as a team 70 minutes before tipoff.

Life is good, and being able to healthily play the sport I love collegiately is a blessing and something I never want to take for granted.

My last tip for you is that, if nothing else, remember how many people want to be where you are, doing what you are doing, and sometimes that thought alone is enough.

For all of you out there, remember, you got this, and you can do it.

With love,

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