Meet Shania Mcintosh

In my 24 years I have never come across another Shania, and what's funny is not only have I met another another person with the same name as mine...but we are both in the same football team! You can imagine how hard it is for our team mates on the field to call our name's without both of us looking at them in confusion!

Sports psychology is something that very few people know about which is why I thought it would be great to interview the lovely Shania to talk about her very own blog Sports Psychology with Shania. Her blog has a great combination of personal experiences intertwined with knowledge around sports psychology making it a great read and something that is relatable to everyone. Make sure to jump over to her page, subscribe, and delve deeper into the inner workings of sports and psychology!

Meet Shania Mcintosh...

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

Hello! I am a 23 year old student, pilates and spin instructor and football player. Currently finishing my Master of Science (psychology) in June...how good!

LOVE YOUR BLOG! TELL US THE STORY BEHIND FLOW & JOY?

I've always loved sport psychology and have a lot of knowledge surrounding it through my Bachelors, however have veered away from it due to my master being in work psychology. I essentially started Flow & Joy a couple months ago as an outlet for me love of sport psychology, which is very fitting considering I love human nature/the brain as well as exercise/football.

WHAT WAS THE MOTIVATION BEHIND CREATING IT?

When you look at the literature and what is out there in sports psychology there seems to be a lot of information and tools that can be overwhelming as to where to start and what is beneficial. I wanted to create a platform that explores and provides informative information about useful sport psychology techniques and ideas. In addition to this, I want to provide context to each post by relating the technique.idea to my own sporting life. This should hopefully lead to a more well-rounded and interesting read.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN SIX WORDS?

Hmmm...passionate, curious, adventurous, self-aware, adaptable and fun (sometimes)

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND PASSIONS AROUND SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY?

Sports psychology is actually quite a new concept today and I think people don't quite realise the significance of it in sport. It seems like athletes only become interested in it once they face a mental hurdle in sport which affects their performance. In reality, I think it should be maintained and allocated equal priority to the physical body. Just like one may do strength and conditioning for the body and injury prevention, mental training, and sport psychology can be used for optimal state during sporting performance and life in general. I feel this is especially important in the world of women's sport, in particular women's football which is my current domain.

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE SPORT PSYCHOLOGY TECHNIQUES IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

At the moment I like to meditate and have positive self-talk before games to get me in a calm but confident headspace. I also have changed my relationship with self-critique and perception of mistakes. When I was younger mistakes and bad games/trainings were analysed which could then surmount and set me back quite extensively. Learning to not self-critique so heavily and strengthen the ability to bounce back from things has proven very useful.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FORM OF EXERCISE AND WHY?

I mean obviously football because it is the best sport to exist, no questions! I get to play alongside some awesome players - especially my fellow CDM and name-sharer Shania! When I'm not doing that, I adore pilates because if it's gentleness on the joints and the challenging nature of it. Spin classes, hikes and yoga are also top contenders.

WHAT DOES WEEKLY ROUTINE LOOK LIKE?

Monday through to Friday is thesis writing during the day. I like to get coffee with friends, or partner, or my mum at least twice throughout the week as thesis writing can be quite isolating. Two evenings ate spent at football training and two evenings are spent pilates and spin instructing. Friday night is my night to socialise and drink while Saturday is quite chill due to Sunday's game which I can't be dusty for these days (not built like I was when I was 18).

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM YOU WOULD LOVE TO FULFIL?

Honestly, right now I'm excited to move onto the next phase in my life away from uni which has been just over 5 years. I will be thrilled if I can land a job that stimulates and excites me, travel with my partner Ethan and maintain a fulfilling lifestyle!

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEPS FOR YOUR BLOG AND THE FUTURE?

Would love to pump out more posts more regularly once uni subsides - have lots of ideas. For the future, I think the next goal is a bit of travel and saving to buy a house! But for now, all my focus is on finishing my thesis...not long now!