• 4.04 – Why is my immune system so important for my mental health?

    https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gb2339br4jkjpezp/404_-_Immunology8o8uw.mp3 What is my immune system and why is it so important? In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington are joined by immunologist, Senior Lecturer and author, Dr Jenna Macciochi, to explore how the immune system is linked to psychological health. We discuss what our immune systems actually are, what they do (and what…

  • BLOGPOST – Thinking small about stress and burnout

    We’re constantly told to think big. We’re told we need to dare to dream big, shoot for the moon, all that cheesy, Hallmark, straight to DVD, Channel-5 afternoon matinee stuff. It’s a message we’ve been given since we were all kids.   The problem is, we’re actually crap at thinking big. We’re really bad at thinking…

  • Managing burnout: Lessons from elite sport coaches.

    Burnout tends to happen as a result of long-term stress in a situation or job that, for whatever reason, you’re highly committed to. So the more you care about your work, the more likely you are to experience burnout. Burnout has three major characteristics: emotional and physical exhaustion, a cynical attitude towards people and relationships…

  • The mindful athlete: Can mindfulness really improve performance?

    You may or may not have come across the concept of Mindfulness before. You might have heard about sports coaches encouraging their athletes to adopt mindfulness practices, or maybe you’ve heard about athletes learning and practicing meditation as part of their training. But what exactly is this thing called Mindfulness, and can it really improve sporting performance?

  • The problem with Mental Toughness

    Everyone loves a bit of mental toughness. Coaches will often tell you they only want athletes who are mentally TOUGH. Athletes strive to develop their mental STRENGTH. Sports journalists write and debate about which athletes are mentally TOUGHER than others. In fact, mental toughness has become one of the most commonly used phrases in sports. I should point out here that I have no…

  • The Last Second Shot: Psychology of the 2015 NBA Playoffs – Round 2

    If the first round of the 2015 NBA PLayoffs was all about dealing with the weight of expectation, for me, the Conference Semi-Finals were about pressure moments. During this round we saw several examples of individual players stepping up to the mark and delivering in the face of extreme pressure.

  • Mayweather vs Pacquiao: Battle of the Minds

    The build-up, the money, the media circus surrounding the “fight of the century” were all potential distractions, so how might the pound for pound kings have kept their focus for the biggest fight of their lives?

  • Decisions, Decisions! How the Seahawks Lost Superbowl XLIX.

    The Seattle Seahawks could have won their second straight Superbowl. They should have won their second straight. They should have beaten the New England Patriots in Feb, 2015, but instead they had to walk off the field, close, but cigar-less. They could have won, but for a decision that had pretty much everyone who was watching saying…

  • Psychology of the NBA Finals: Game 5

    Well that’s it! The 2014 NBA Finals are over and it was the San Antonio Spurs who put last year’s defeat emphatically behind them, and prevented the Miami Heat from winning their third straight Championship, or “threepeating” if you will. I don’t think anyone expected the Spurs to win in 5 Games and I certainly don’t…

  • Psychology of the NBA Finals: Game 4

    San Antonio took Game 3 in dramatic fashion to lead the series 2-1. They hit 19 of their first 21 shots, they scored 41 in the 1st quarter, and they had 71 by half-time! It was always an uphill struggle for the Heat, but the Spurs won by being aggressive and doing their thing, especially…