Swim meets can be very stressful at any level of competition. Here are 10 ways that you can calm down and focus on your races.
- Meditate
This tactic does not come easy to all, but it can be as easy as taking deep breaths. Whether it be downloading a mindful meditation app, or just doing 10 deep breaths, this can help with focusing on yourself, your races and breathing.
- Listening to music
Whether you're listening to calm music or hyper pop, listen to something you are comfortable with! Just put in your headphones and focus on yourself!
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- Talk to your coach
Depending on how comfortable you are with your coach, they can ease your stress too! You can ask them for tips for your upcoming swim, or ways you can warm-up!
- Talk to your teammates
Being able to hang out and laugh with your teammates is what makes swimming fun! Joke around, listen to music together and just have a good time! You'll probably forget about being stressed all together!
- Believe in your training
If you're at a championship meet, the work has already been put in! You're not able to go back and do more practice. At the meet, just know you've done all you can and trust in your training.
- Cheer for your teammates
The great part of being on a team is being able to cheer for your teammates! Having people to support and people to support can help ease your stress.
- Visualize your race
Just sit back, close your eyes, and walk yourself through your race from start to finish. Think about hitting all your turns, having a good finish and don't forget to celebrate!
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- Trust in the process!
If you had a bad swim already, do not fret! That does not mean the rest of your meet is going to be bad! Try and forget and focus on what you can do for your next swim.
- Go warm-up or warm-down
Doing a quick little shake out swim can relieve any tightness you have in your muscles from stress! Even if your race isn't up, just getting in and swimming can clear your mind.
- Think of your old successful swims
You've done it once, why not do it again?
Think about what you did before and during those swims and apply it to your next race.
You might run out of time and miss your race if you try and attempt all of these tips on meet day. That's why you should just try a few, and see what works for you! Good luck!
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* Originally published on May 11, 2022, by Kyle Haflich
