by Lydia Black | Apr 9, 2026 | mental health, Mental Health, psychology, Uncategorized, Wellbeing, Womens health
Many women enter perimenopause feeling like their body has changed without their permission. Energy dips, mood becomes less predictable, and things that once felt manageable can start to feel harder. Alongside this, confidence can take a hit, not always in obvious...
by Lydia Black | Dec 17, 2024 | Mental Health, Performance Anxiety, Performance Psychology, psychology, sport psychology
Performance anxiety – it’s something every athlete has dealt with at some point. Whether it’s before a big competition, in the middle of a high-pressure moment, or when expectations feel sky-high, the weight of it can be overwhelming. But here’s the thing:...
by Lydia Black | Dec 16, 2024 | mental health, psychology, Uncategorized, Values, Wellbeing
Me: “How do you feel about navigating the festive season?” Client: “I know I will have too much to drink and eat this holiday season, and I already feel guilty about it. Why can’t I just stick to my plan?” These were the words of a client...
by Lydia Black | Dec 4, 2024 | athlete burnout, Coaching, Mental Health, Parenting, Performance Psychology, Psychological Safety in Sport, psychology, Self Care, sport psychology
Why Psychological Safety in Sport Matters “I can’t tell my coach how I really feel. What if they think I’m weak?” I’ve heard this countless times in my work with athletes, from grassroots to elite levels. It’s a stark reminder that, for many athletes, the...
by Lydia Black | Oct 13, 2023 | mental health, Performance Anxiety, Performance Psychology, psychology, sport psychology
My Personal Experience with Performance Anxiety When I was 14, I loved rowing and was naturally talented. But I also carried the weight of feeling like my success in my sport defined who I was because it felt like rowing was the first thing I was good at. Racing in my...
by Lydia Black | Jun 12, 2023 | mental health, Performance Psychology, psychology, sport psychology
“Flexibility” isn’t just about physical agility. It’s about flexible thinking, being cognitively flexible with your thoughts and ideas. This adaptability is crucial for mental health and can significantly boost your performance. Scenario:...