Athletes Are Chewing Gum to Conquer Pre-Game Pressure

CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwire) -- 01/06/09 -- For decades everyday athletes have enjoyed the thrill of competition, and for many of these sporting enthusiasts, game time provides a sense of excitement, adrenaline and even nerves. In fact, a recent survey by Wrigley's Doublemint® gum reveals that preparing for an athletic event can be more stressful for everyday athletes than a trip to the dentist's office, public speaking and being late to an important meeting.(1)

According to Patrick Cohn, Ph.D., sports psychology expert and founder of Peak Performance Sports, experiencing stress before a sporting event or competition can affect an athlete's game-time performance, which helps explain why, in the recent survey, 80 percent of everyday athletes admit to looking for new ways to combat stress. Luckily, for these athletes, chewing gum may be a simple tool athletes could use to help reduce game-time stress.

"If you're experiencing pre-game anxiety, you're likely worrying about results. Focus your mind on the present moment by chewing gum, listening to your favorite music or warming up your jump shot. These strategies can help you relax and boost confidence to perform your best," says Dr. Cohn.

Everyday athletes are already heeding Dr. Cohn's advice. According to the survey, 67 percent of everyday athletes who chew gum say they chew to relieve stress for a sporting event and 59 percent of everyday athletes who chew gum admit that they do so when they need to focus on their sporting event.

Game-Time Edge

Dr. Cohn offers the following tips to help athletes relieve pre-game jitters:

-- Focus on what's under your control, not what's beyond your control.
   You control your thoughts and performance, not what others do or say.
-- Embrace your pre-game butterflies. Your body is signaling you're ready
   to compete.
-- Get in the zone. Staying focused can offer athletes a performance
   edge and research shows chewing gum can help reduce stress, improve
   alertness and relieve anxiety.(2),(3),(4)
-- Visualize success. Taking two minutes a day to visualize desired
   performance can help anticipate a game situation and calm nerves.

Sports-induced stress doesn't end when the competition is over. Among those surveyed, 62 percent admit they feel stressed when watching their favorite sports teams play, while 71 percent admit they talk back or yell at the TV.

"The spirit of competition among athletes and spectators ignites loyalty and passion," said Paul Chibe Wrigley's vice president of North American Gum Marketing.