I train to compete. I am fine in training most of the time but lately, the last year or so, my times in meets have gotten quite a bit slower and now I get so anxious before a race that I feel sick. Today I had a SCM meet here I only went to swim the 400 IM. I dry heaved in the corner until they were about to call my heat. How can I get past this? I;m working on getting faster in practice (I'm injured and coming off surgery) but slower in the meets is something that has been lingering and causing the anxiety. Help!
Parents
Former Member
I have a lot of experience with anxiety, unfortunately. One thing I've noticed about being anxious is that my breathing gets shallow so I've learned some deep breathing exercises. Obviously you aren't going to pull out a yoga mat or do a full guided meditation on the pool deck but you can take a bit of the breathing skills from that and use it when you are feeling tense.
I have a lot of experience with anxiety, unfortunately. One thing I've noticed about being anxious is that my breathing gets shallow so I've learned some deep breathing exercises. Obviously you aren't going to pull out a yoga mat or do a full guided meditation on the pool deck but you can take a bit of the breathing skills from that and use it when you are feeling tense.
