"Brutal and expensive boom - mountain bike accidents are on the rise", my bikers. It wasn't me who said that, but Blick on July 19, 2015. Three weeks later, I did well to confirm the statistics by breaking my left collarbone while biking. I had never broken anything before. All the falls had been more or less harmless, but this time a tree trunk got in the way. The sound of the impact with the broken bone has been indelibly etched in my brain ever since. It's about as pleasant as not being able to shake off "Last Christmas" at Christmas time. And so you can see and hear him again and again, George Michael with his blond mane, bleached teeth and earrings, letting off steam in the snow of Saas Fee. Wham, you have to do something about that. Doctors say that the psyche is involved in most sports injuries. It controls movement behavior. So if we're constantly thinking about good old George on the trail, we ride with the handbrake on and risk ending up in hospital again. Here are five practical tips to help you forget your inner George Michael:

1. Buy yourself a new bike

Of course, in most cases your bike wasn't to blame for your crash. But psychologically, it still makes a difference to be on a bike with a clean slate. It's like a fresh start, a lucky streak that starts from scratch. Oh yes: And while you're at it, it's best to buy a bike in a completely different color - pink, for example.

2. Train like Rocky

The best therapy has always been bodybuilding. Train fitness and strength. The better you are physically, the better your head will feel. The latter then automatically no longer needs to think about George Michael and the fun of riding takes center stage again. The best way to motivate yourself is to watch an old Rocky movie and take a close look at the training scenes. Aaaadriaaaan!!!

3. Put on Guns n' Roses again

The contrasting program to George Michael, so to speak. You can't ride with any restraint with the right sound. Listen to Guns n' Roses again. They will give you the rhythm you need. And at some point you'll realize that the best music of all is simply the sound of a trail descent. By then at the latest, you will have overcome George Michael. That's a promise.

4. Have sex

You need to trust your body again. This requires good body awareness. A faulty self-perception is not only a problem when you are anxious. Overeagerness can also be harmful. Sex is the best medicine: it helps to loosen tense muscles and relieve tension. And the hormone cocktail acts as a painkiller. So listen to your body after sex. And if it doesn't help: in most cases, it's still worth it.

5. Friends only

You need to feel as comfortable as possible on your first trail attempts after an injury. So take your best friends with you on the trail. The ones who encourage you but don't overdo it. The ones who would never listen to George Michael in their lives (I hope you have friends like that). And leave everyone else at home, especially your girlfriend or boyfriend, please.

P.S. All tips listed here are in no way scientifically proven and only reflect the opinion of the author. This applies in particular to number 4.