Mental training is the practice of consciously preparing one’s mind to increase performance in a certain activity. Mental training techniques may help you respond better in high-stress situations, improve your mental habits and thought patterns, or even break through mental hurdles that prevent you from achieving your full potential.

What Is Mental Training?

When we think of training, the typical activities that come to mind are cardio, weights, and drill circuits. However, alongside physical exercise, mental training is becoming an increasingly popular daily practice. Anyone who exercises regularly can speak to the effects of consistent physical training. For example, athletes who want to increase their ability to perform at high levels often turn to mental training.

In the same manner, setting aside an hour a day for meditation practice can have fantastic benefits for the mind and body. We all deeply understand that both mental and physical elements influence our performance. So, in addition to making physical preparations, let’s strengthen the mental side of the equation.

One more thing to remember is that mental training is not the same as mental health therapy or counseling. Please seek professional help if you need it. Still, mental training techniques like meditation may enhance mental health as a whole in addition to improving certain aspects of performance.

 a group of girls getting ready for mental training

What are the Types of Mental Training?

There are many types of mental training. Common mental training techniques often draw upon disciplines such as:

  • Positive Psychology
  • Meditation & Mindfulness 
  • Positive Self-Talk
  • Deep Breathing
  • Goal Setting
  • Guided Visualizations
  • Neuroplasticity

… And many more

What are Mental Training Techniques?

The following mental training techniques will be of great use to you in preparing yourself physically and psychologically:

Guided Visualization Meditation

Guided visualization and chanting meditation are great forms of mental training. These types of mental training coach the mind to stay focused, present, aware, and steady. In visualization meditation. students focus on ‘seeing’ a mental image in their mind’s eye. This could be a nature scene, a lotus flower, or even orbs of light illuminating the body. 

Chanting Meditation

Studies have shown how chanting meditation can help improve attention and a positive mood. In chanting meditation, a syllable or phrase is uttered repeatedly. Students focus the body and mind on this verbal repetition. Some advanced chanting meditation practices simultaneously incorporate guided visualization.

Positive Affirmations

One of the most trendy mental training techniques nowadays, positive self-affirmations are a powerful tool to train your mind, change your thinking, and boost your energy. Affirmations can also reduce stress, decrease overthinking, and improve our coping and resilience

Grandmaster JinBodhi originally created the Golden Words as self-affirmations for his meditation students who lacked confidence and courage. If you feel like you need more positive energy or self-confidence in your life, try reading the Golden Words.

Repeating these positive phrases or statements to yourself helps to positively affirm and reinforce your truths and your values. Studies have shown how reading positive affirmations helps remind your brain of what is truly important and who you strive to be.

Ready to Implement Mental Training Techniques?

Congratulations on finishing this article on mental training techniques. Let’s converse if you wish to improve your mental performance through meditation, contact us to sign up for a meditation class, and let’s get started developing your mental talents via mental training techniques right now.