Swearing to perform: the astonishing technique to surpass your limits

The idea may seem far-fetched, but a British study shows that swearing actually improves physical performance. In an experiment with 192 participants, volunteers were asked to repeat either an expletive or a neutral word every two seconds while doing push-ups on a chair (1). Those who swore lasted longer and reported feeling better concentration, more confidence and an increased state of flow – a psychological state that helps one overcome one’s limits.

“In many situations, people consciously or unconsciously prevent themselves from using their full strength”explains in a press release (2) Richard Stephens, author of the study and doctor at Keele University in the United Kingdom. “Swearing is an easy way to feel focused, confident and less distracted, and to “go for it” a little more. »

This is not the first time that science has been interested in the virtues of swearing. Previous research has shown that when people swear, they perform better in physical challenges, for example they can keep their hand in ice water longer. According to researchers, these benefits come from disinhibition which helps free oneself from a form of self-censorship.

“By swearing, we free ourselves from social constraints and allow ourselves to surpass ourselves in different situationsexplains Richard Stephens. Swearing is literally a calorie-neutral, drug-free, inexpensive, and easily accessible tool available to us when we need a boost to improve our performance. »

Read: Olivier Maria: “Good fuel is a sine qua non condition for sporting performance”

The virtues of self-dialogue for sport

Beyond swearing, it’s our entire internal dialogue that influences our performance. The words we speak to ourselves during exercise are not trivial and can help us resist. In his book The science of endurance (volume 2 – competition special), Dr Fabrice Kuhn describes the benefits of this self-dialogue to maintain motivation throughout a race. “During an effort, streams of thoughts naturally come to your mind, explains Fabrice Kuhn. They vary depending on your physical and mental state. Self-dialogue consists of consciously directing these thoughts to motivate oneself and to facilitate the effort. »

Thus, a meta-analysis of 32 studies shows that strategically directing one’s thoughts improves performance (3). A study at the Cologne marathon identified a “psychological crisis” (drive to abandon) peaking at 30^e km, negatively influencing performance (4). Self-dialogue, with phrases to motivate yourself, such as “Go for it”, “Don’t give up”, focused on the reward like “I will be proud”, or even relaxing ones like “Keep calm”, helps limit this negative effect.

To go further: The science of competition-specific endurance