Relaxation Techniques

[TheRedHead]

Hi All:

Does anyone have any tips of relaxation during OW class? My instructor makes me tense. Because I am tense, I am having problems relaxing enough to sink. Any tips?

Thanks in advance.

 

[northcoast_diver]

Try breathing slower than you normally would, and deeper than you normally would, and concentrate on exhaling completely before you start to inhale again. That should allow you descend, slowly. Remember that you descend by exhaling, completely, then waiting a second or two before beginning to inhale again. Also remember never to hold your breath, whether after inhaling or after exhaling. Slowing down your breathing could help you to relax.

If you cannot relax, then you may need another instructor. Some personalities simply don't mesh, especially if this instructor reminds you of a former gym coach whom you did not like very well in the past, etc.

If you still cannot relax, even with a new instructor, then you may not be ready for scuba, yet. Then try snorkeling, or freediving, before you come back to scuba again for another try.

 

[jbd]

Hi All:

Does anyone have any tips of relaxation during OW class? My instructor makes me tense. Because I am tense, I am having problems relaxing enough to sink. Any tips?

Thanks in advance.

Your instructor should not be making you tense. It might be in your best interest to switch instructors if that is an option. If its not then you may need to talk with them about this issue and get it resolved. Feel free to PM me.

 

[goodknight411]

Do you know why the instructor is making you stress out? If you can pinpoint a reason, it will be easier to overcome.

My suggestion is when you're doing skills to breathe slowly and concentrate only on the skill, try to "tune out" the instructor. Of course, don't do this when he's (she) trying to tell you something important.

 

[downunderjenn]

breathe slowly, relax your shoulders

 

[sb_diver]

Hi All:

Does anyone have any tips of relaxation during OW class? My instructor makes me tense. Because I am tense, I am having problems relaxing enough to sink. Any tips?

Thanks in advance.

As some of the other posters said, your instructor shouldn't be making you tense. Is it stress over having to perform your skills? I have a buddy who started doing yoga and that really helps him with relaxing in the water. Good luck.

Thomas

 

[baltimoron]

jeez, first with the weights and BC problem, and now he's making you tense?! you should really opt out and find another instructor in my opinion..... but thats just what it is my opinion....

 

[wacdiver]

As others have said I would address the issues with the instructor first and foremost!! you may realize that you don't have to worry about relaxing if you are not stressed. first figure out WHY you are so tense then you can work on the HOW to solve it.
BUt some quicktips
breath slowly (in for a count of 1,2,3 and out for a count of 1,2,3,4 longer so you have less air in lungs will help you to sink) and try to count your breaths (1 in and 1 out = 1breath)
Tune out everyone EXcept your buddy concentrate on the task
Also feel your heartbeat (or count it) if you focus on your heartbeat and try to keep it slow and steady you should relax.
Feel your self floating (this is a big relaxation technique counselors/Dr. use to help people relax during sessions, in session you are imagining you are floating, in the water you have the advantage of really floating) close your eyes feel yourself floating and just relax (it works for clients in a chair it can work for you when you are in the water)
Good luck
WAC

 

[humanFish]

Hi All:

Does anyone have any tips of relaxation during OW class? My instructor makes me tense. Because I am tense, I am having problems relaxing enough to sink. Any tips?

Thanks in advance.

Being calm before diving is a very important technique...for many reasons including reducing your consumption.

Many people will have trouble sinking because lack of relaxation will cause some amount of arm and leg movement that keeps the diver on the surface.

I don't know of any "specific" methods for dive relaxation...but anything that helps is worth trying....breathing techniques, meditation, etc.. Visualization outside the water prior to getting in can also help.

With that said, I've found that I am more comfortable descending if I do a horizontal descent instead of feet first. In order to do this I use my rear pull dump on my BCD as I put my head in the water and angle towards the bottom...once my fins are above my head its smooth sailing. Some people may argue that horizontal descents are a bit much for a beginner but it's just my two cents.

Another technique to consider is to cross your legs at your ankles and brings your knees into a slight tuck to prevent yourself from kicking at all....while also completely exhaling....

keep on diving....

 

[baltimoron]

horizontal acsents also work for me. i like them because i feel i have more control. if you are in a pool though they might be a bit harder to pull off, considering your fins add a lot more height and you will just float to the top again trying to maneuver around to a knealing position to do your skills (unless you are doing them horizontally which is a different saga.) just me two cents..