Stanley Popovich provides his advice on how individuals can manage their worries in the open water:

When an open water swimmer is out in a lake or ocean, fear can play a large role in their success – and safety. Here is a brief list of techniques that an open water swimmer can use to help gain a better perspective on things during their anxious moments.

When feeling anxious, remember that our fearful thoughts are exaggerated and can make the problem worse. A good way to manage your worry is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you fearful or anxious, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.

Remember that all the worrying in the world will not change anything. Most of what we worry about never comes true. Instead of worrying about something that probably won’t happen, concentrate on what you are able to do. Gather the facts of being an open water swimmer. Learn what to do when certain things happen in your sport. This will prepare you for anything that goes wrong. This will then help reduce your fears and anxieties.

In every anxiety-related situation you experience, begin to learn what works, what doesn’t work, and what you need to improve on in managing your fears and anxieties. If you are swimming in the open water and you get nervous and scared, decide to think of some positive statements that calm you down. This technique works and you will feel better. The next time this happens you can do the same thing you did before and this will give you the confidence to manage your anxiety the next time around.

Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a coach or someone familiar with open water swimming who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.

It is not easy to deal with all of our fears of swimming in the open water. When your fears and anxieties get the best of you, try to calm down right away and then think of the facts of the situation. Focus on the facts and not on your worries – the key to dealing with your fears in the open water.

Copyright © 2010 by Stanley Popovich