1. Visualize yourself making the dive properly and completing it successfully.
The first step is to visualize yourself making the dive and completing it successfully. See yourself going through all the motions in your mind, from putting on your gear to taking that final breath before descending into the depths. By picturing yourself succeeding, you’ll increase your confidence and decrease your anxiety levels.
2. Stay relaxed and don’t put any unnecessary pressure on yourself .
It’s important to stay relaxed while freediving because tense muscles will use up more oxygen, which is something you want to avoid when diving underwater. If you find yourself getting tense, take a few deep breaths and try to let go of any unnecessary muscle tension. It can also help to focus on a fixed point while diving so that you don’t get disoriented underwater.
3. Use positive self-talk to keep your mind focused on what you’re trying to achieve .
One way to stay calm and focused while freediving is to use positive self-talk . For example, you might tell yourself “I can do this” or “I’m feeling good today.” Repeating positive mantras like these can help keep negative thoughts at bay and give you the mental strength to push through any tough patches during your dive.
4. Take some deep breaths and focus on slowing your heart rate down .
Before diving, it’s important to take some deep breaths and focus on slowing down your heart rate . This will help ensure that you have enough oxygen in your lungs when you descend underwater. A slow heart rate also conserves oxygen, so it’s a good idea to practice this technique even when you’re not diving.
5. Imagining you are diving in a safe and comfortable place .
For some people, imagining they are diving in a safe and comfortable place can help ease their anxiety levels . If you’re struggling with nerves before a dive, close your eyes and picture yourself in a calm environment like a clear pool or an empty beach . By picturing yourself in a peaceful setting, you can help trick your mind into feeling more relaxed before descending into the water .
Freediving can be an exhilarating experience but it’s normal to feel nervous before making your first few dives . However , there are mental techniques that you can use to ease your anxiety levels and improve your freediving skills . So next time you’re gearing up for a dive , remember to visualize success , stay relaxed , use positive self-talk , take deep breaths ,and focus on slowing down your heartrate . And if all else fails , try imagining yourself in a safe place !
