And it was awesome! Long, slender bodies, taut limbs stretching, racing across a treaded, lined lawn. Lip gloss, eyeliner and even wet t-shirts! Shouts of anxious passion and competing exertions, sweat bands soaked. Tennis, not football, is now ‘the beautiful (and sexy) game’. With power and precision they battered each other, up and down the court. A blond bomb battle. Girls in short skirts going for the eyes and the baseline, in cunning tactical assaults. They stepped up, the girls really stepped it up. “That’s shockingly good” said McEnroe… and he really should know.
I was not sure what to expect from the ‘leftie’, but she impressed. In her first ever ‘Grand Slam’ final, on The Centre Court of the most respected and lauded lawn tennis club- trying to win membership amongst the elite of champions, we could see what makes a champion. It is all about belief unclouded by doubt, unchallenged by fear. Clearly, it’s how the pressure is managed that answers the whispered question: can you do it? So many favorites fall at the last hurdle as they pause to whisper back: I’m not sure. So tighten up, slow it down, with leaded feet, breath held, you are distracted even by silence. You stare back at the headlights and you are frozen.
Pressure: it’s how you handle it that makes you a winner. So why not let nature fill in the gaps in your psychological profile, and try some anxiety reducing herbs!
· Valerian
Valerian extract can be used as a treatment for both general anxiety and panic attacks, as well as insomnia.
· Kava
Kava is also used for treating anxiety by quickly calming the nervous system and creating feelings of euphoria. The herb also acts as a sedative and muscle relaxant, and so is useful for the treatment of tension and insomnia.
· Chamomile
Chamomile is a beneficial in alleviating nervous tension, insomnia and gastrointestinal problems.
· Passionflower
Passionflower has been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat anxiety, calming the nerves, and letting you get a good night’s sleep.
· Ginseng
This herb improves your mood, memory and attention, as well as lengthening physical and mental endurance, and easing anxiety.
This herb has the effect of stimulating the mind, increasing concentration and easing depressive moods.
In any sporting success, but particularly where you stand and face your adversary alone, bravery is key, and a little arrogance is also helpful. Kvitova? A new champion is born, or self-made. “Pressure is a privilege” she says. Gotta memba dat. So take some herbs to still the nerves and ace your way to greatness.
See the crew at Legassi Gardens:
skype us: legassigardens
