The Paddler Magazine issue 72 Summer 2023 | Page 29

Playboating . Photo : Ant Mitchell
Summer Days on the Tryweryn . Photo : Del Read that building something up in your head is an unhelpful and infuriating habit . It also leads to high anxiety levels , which can be hard to back down . Unfortunately for me , overthinking is a skill that I excel in !
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HPP in the Summer is very much a spectator sport ! Photo : Ant Mitchell

Playboating . Photo : Ant Mitchell

Summer Days on the Tryweryn . Photo : Del Read that building something up in your head is an unhelpful and infuriating habit . It also leads to high anxiety levels , which can be hard to back down . Unfortunately for me , overthinking is a skill that I excel in !

SOLUTIONS ?
I haven ’ t got all the answers , but there are some things I actively try to do to improve my anxiety . I thought I would share them with you here .
1 . WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL
A coach or a therapist can make a world of difference to your head game . Talk to someone about how you are feeling . Try to identify exactly what it is that is causing you anxiety and work with that professional in this area . Paddling is as much a mental sport as a physical one ; a good coach knows this . Putting your trust into a professional ’ s hands can allow you to explore your ‘ wibble wobble zone ’* without feeling like you are losing control . * I am sure there is a more professional term for this . I am referring to the process of pushing you outside of your comfort zone but still within your capabilities so that you can improve in the areas you have identified to work on .
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