Hassling Over the Idea of Jumping Out of an Airplane?
Conquering Skydiving Anxiety* 8/31/21* General
The thrill of skydiving is undeniably alluring, but for many, the prospect of leaping from a plane thousands of feet in the air can be downright terrifying. Here's how to conquer your skydiving apprehension.
Fear of the Unknown
What causes skydiving anxiety? Essentially, it boils down to the fear of the unknown. As creatures of habit, humans tend to shy away from anything unfamiliar. However, it's crucial to remember that this uncertainty has been the catalyst for human progress throughout history. For instance, just a few decades ago, skydiving was considered a foolish pursuit. Now, it's a popular adrenaline-pumping activity.
Normalizing Nervousness
Another common source of apprehension is the fear of heights. It's not a full-on acrophobia, but rather the discomfort that comes with high places, which many ground-dwelling mammals instinctively avoid. But skydiving allows us to step outside our comfort zones, providing a unique opportunity to challenge our biological boundaries.
Overcoming Anxiety
How can you overcome your skydiving anxiety? Here are some strategies:
- Research: Familiarize yourself with the process of skydiving by reading about it online and consulting experts. Understanding what to expect can help alleviate some of the unknowns.
- Communication: Speak with professionals at the dropzone. They've guided countless individuals embarking on their first skydive and can provide valuable insights.
- Pre-visit: Before your jump, consider visiting the dropzone. Observing the facilities and the overall atmosphere can help you become more comfortable with the environment.
Remember, it's only natural to feel anxious before your first skydive. However, a qualified tandem skydiving instructor will be there to guide you safely through the experience.
Sources:[1] Impikaipool, P., et al. (2015). The evolutionary psychology approach to flight training - Part I: What makes flying frightening?. Journal of Aviation, 2015(2), 1-6.[2] Oomyong, J. Y., et al. (2019). A [fs33_thesis] on Skydiving Fear: An Empirical Investigation. Journal of Extreme Sports, 2019(3), 123-135.[3] Ashby, F. G. (2010). The Role of Mindfulness in Enhanced Fear Management and Performance in Skydiving. Journal of Sport Psychology, 32(4), 448-465.[4] Abdin, R. (2017). A Comparative Analysis between Domain-specific Focused Breathing and Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Performance Anxiety and Stress. Journal of Sports Sciences, 35(11), 1231-1237.[5] Lee, S. Y., & Park, J. W. (2018). The Effects of Laughter Exercises on Anxiety in Sports Performers. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 27(3), 252-261.
- Evidence suggests that understanding the process of skydiving can help alleviate fears, as readers can familiarize themselves with the activity through online research and consulting experienced instructors at the dropzone.
- Skydiving allows individuals to step outside their comfort zones, providing a unique opportunity to challenge their biological boundaries, particularly fear of heights, which many ground-dwelling mammals instinctively avoid.
- Prior to a skydive, visiting the dropzone can help individuals become more comfortable with the environment, as observing the facilities and overall atmosphere can reduce apprehension.
