THE BONK
It seemed like just the other day that we were gearing up to settle down for a couple of weeks of lockdown, to let the COVID-19 storm pass and then go on with life as usual. I’m not sure many of us were prepared for the long haul. I certainly didn’t think that I would potentially not be able to step onto a hockey field for the whole winter season. The excitement, novelty and distraction of the first couple of weeks of lockdown have long worn off and things seem a little tougher. It’s now becoming a mental and many of us are facing the BONK.
"In endurance sports the bonk is a condition of sudden fatigue ."
I have always played hockey for the love of the game. The angles. The precision. The feeling of getting that through-ball into space through the eye of a needle. The camaraderie, the banter, the celebration of team success. The skills, the innovation and the how’d he do that. The physical side. The mental side. The spiritual side. For me hockey is a major part of life’s enjoyment and not being able to play is so frustrating! … or is it!
Life, as on the hockey field is filled with challenges. Our attitude towards challenge can help us convert challenge into opportunity. When we face the BONK- in life or on the sports field, we need to be able to dig deep, understand the situation and try and pull the most out of it. Ask ourselves the questions. What can I learn? How can I overcome? What can I do in this situation to prepare me for the next one?
"new research suggests that there is also a significant psychological component at play, and that with the right type of brain-training it might be possible to override sensations of fatigue and discomfort.."
Yes, lockdown and all that comes with it is frustrating and the thought of missing a whole season of hockey is depressing but fight the BONK. Don’t let lockdown get into your head and define your season. See this as an opportunity. An opportunity to keep your hands fast and your eye tuned. An opportunity to think about where you can improve your game. An opportunity to strengthen your core (you’ve been putting that one off). An opportunity to practice an air dribble or go 3D. An opportunity to inspire and encourage. An opportunity to tap the ball more than 500 times in the air without getting bored. You may never an opportunity to keep the hockey passion burning!
These are unique times which require a unique response. Stay positive and rise above. Find the opportunities in this challenge we face. Play smart, beat the BONK.
*Some interesting thoughts about beating the BONK can be found here. We will share more about the mental side of hockey in future blogs. Play smart, PLAYSMARTER.
