I was just wondering what you guys do for pre-meet jitters. I'm going to my second Master's Meet April 10 & 11th in Lexington, KY. I'm swimming my first backstroke events at this meet. Since I never was an age grouper, high school, or college swimmer, I tend to get really nervous the closer to a meet that I get. It's getting so bad this time, that it's getting to the point that I'm not having fun anymore. I've also started to dread going to practice and just swimming in general. Do any of you have advice? Any help would be appreciated.
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You've received some very good advice. I can totally understand where you're coming from, being a bit of a perfectionist who suffers from performance anxiety. I always have. I do think that severe anxiety can impede performance, but mild anxiety can actually improve it. I find that if I'm TOO relaxed, I don't do as well. My meet warm-up helps to dissipate a lot of the dysfunctional worry, but I'm still able to keep the mild stuff that helps the adrenaline surge. It hightens awareness and focus. I've actually learned to welcome the jitters, as long as they're not too bad! :)
You've received some very good advice. I can totally understand where you're coming from, being a bit of a perfectionist who suffers from performance anxiety. I always have. I do think that severe anxiety can impede performance, but mild anxiety can actually improve it. I find that if I'm TOO relaxed, I don't do as well. My meet warm-up helps to dissipate a lot of the dysfunctional worry, but I'm still able to keep the mild stuff that helps the adrenaline surge. It hightens awareness and focus. I've actually learned to welcome the jitters, as long as they're not too bad! :)
