I need a new, semi-dangerous hobby [more inside]
posted by Jacen on Jul 28, 2007 - 42 answers

Mind over matter: what strategies are good for psyching yourself up to do something scary, uncomfortable, difficult or painful? The moments I'm thinking of aren't interpersonal situations. More like: you're standing on the high dive. Or you're doing your own bikini wax, and it's time to rip it off. Or you're on a bridge about to bungee. You're at the top of the half-pipe, about to take off. You're about to get stuck with a needle for medical or decorative purposes. Surely "just do it" isn't the only strategy?
posted by xo on May 30, 2006 - 34 answers

How do you deal with fear when engaged in a sport that involves risk of physical injury or death?

I raced bicycles for a number of years, then quit after having a frightening experience with something that my doctor identified as a symptom of a benign sinus arrhythmia - felt like I was having a heart attack.

In a climbing gym, I fell and got flipped upside down and smacked into the wall several times and can't seem to give 100% anymore because I'm afraid of the same thing happening again.

Yesterday afternoon I had my first motorcycle crash - I'm fine, and the bike is mostly fine - and I'm now rather spooked. My gear worked well, the bike needs a new shift lever, and all I'm left with is some bruises and a newfound worry.

I feel like I'm spooking myself out of all the things that I really enjoy doing after having some reasonably benign experiences. So how do others who love sports or other activities that involve risk manage their fears and regain their willingness to push themselves?

Is it silly for me to ask this question?
posted by gkostolny on Jul 12, 2004 - 25 answers