could a simple hair elastic help make you a more confident rider?

a ponytail elastic like the one decorated with a bow I'm wearing make a pretty cool looking snap happy bracelet too!

Watching the new series of BBC2's The Fall, Gillian Anderson's character reminded me of a self-help technique that was recommended to me by Prue Boyd aka The Schoolmistress when my riding confidence had taken a bit of a nosedive a few years back.

Forget friendship bracelets because when you're feeling nervous it's a simple elastic band worn around your wrist that can prove to be your best friend. The idea is that when you have an anxious/negative thought, in this case about riding, then you give it a snap and it will literally give that unproductive voice in your head a slap on the wrist!

It's easy to get stuck in negative self-talk that nags away without you even realizing it. Snapping the band acts like a kick-up-the-butt to your brain, allowing you to break an unhelpful thought pattern.

Once you've flicked that thought onto the muck heap (once may be enough or you may want to give the band a few more snaps) it's a good idea if you replace it immediately with a positive thought/feeling or visualise yourself doing what you're about to do confidently and easily. You may have a positive affirmation you like to use.

And/or you may find it's a good point to do some slow, deep breathing or simply smile. Sometimes you have to try a few different things to find what works for you.

The good news is that it's a confidence tool that won't cost you anything; you can grab the elastic band on the post that just dropped through your letterbox or use one of your hairbands.

It's important that it actually stings a little! However, during the winter months when we're usually wrapped up in gloves and layers of clothing, if you wear a band over the wrist of your glove or jacket just the action and the noise can help to jolt you out of your negative thoughts. 

HAPPY RIDING!

Have you tried the wristband technique? Has it worked for you?