Coherent Heart
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Abstract
Today, there is nothing surprising about a psychologist working with teams and athletes helping them improve their athletic performance and overcome obstacles arising from psychological factors. Special attention is paid to attitude, motivation, goals and commitment, people skills, as well as mental imagery, controlling self-talk and, last but not least, managing anxiety, emotions and concentration skills.
The knowledge and unique methodology to be presented subsequently are the result of the research carried out at the HeartMath Institute. Following in the footsteps of J. Andrew Armour, pioneer neurocardiologist, HeartMath conducted research into the relationship and communication of the heart and the brain in an entirely new approach. Currently, heart-rate variability and its effects on bodily, mental and emotional processes are being researched extensively. In order for us to be able to use this methodology and technology in supporting athletes, let us, first, get to know the basics and reacquainted ourselves with the heart as the global “conductor” in the body’s symphony, the main driver of the psychophysiological coherence mode.
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