Mindful communication

In this lesson, we will explore the importance of mindful communication for teen athletes when interacting with your coaches and teammates. Effective communication is essential for building strong relationships, fostering teamwork, and enhancing overall performance on the field or court. By practicing mindfulness in your communication, you can improve your ability to actively listen, express yourself clearly, and resolve conflicts peacefully.

Here are the important concepts of mindful communication:

Be Present

Be fully present and aware during conversations, both on and off the field. Leave the phone behind, focus on the person you are speaking to, and be aware of both the verbal and non-verbal body language. 

Breathing 

To help you stay calm and focused (especially during tough conversations), as a teen athlete you can benefit from practicing some of the mindful breathing exercises that we have practiced, *before* engaging in discussions with your coaches or teammates. Just take a moment to close your eyes, focus your breath for a minute, feel your brain & your emotions slow down, and then engage in the conversation.

Be Open & Honest  

As a teen athlete it is even more important for you to communicate openly and honestly with your coaches & team mates. It helps you to respond thoughtfully to feedback and criticism, which will help you grow as an athlete both on and off the field. 

Practice hearing criticism as constructive feedback, designed to help you grow & improve, rather than as a criticism of you as a person. Be respectful and empathetic towards others' perspectives, through collaboration with your teammates, and and mutual respect.

By fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect, you can enhance your performance on the field and develop valuable life skills that will serve you well both on and off the field.

Key Lesson Concepts:

• Importance of mindful communication for teen athletes
• Practice mindful breathing exercises to stay calm and focused
• Cultivates empathy, respect, and openness in communication
• Builds trust, rapport, and strong relationships within the team
• Enhances performance and develops valuable life skills