What is a critical mental strategy for divers to cope with diving stress?

Visualizing success and positive outcomes is a critical mental strategy for divers to effectively manage diving stress. This technique involves creating a mental image of a successful dive, which can enhance confidence and reduce anxiety. By focusing on positive outcomes, divers can promote a calm mindset, enabling them to respond better to challenges they may face underwater. Visualization can also reinforce learned skills and techniques, encouraging a sense of competence and readiness for the dive.

While focusing exclusively on potential dangers may heighten stress and anxiety, and recalling mistakes from past dives could lead to a defeatist attitude, both approaches are counterproductive in preparing for a dive. Comparing performance with others can foster unnecessary competition and self-doubt, detracting from a diver's focus on their own abilities. In contrast, visualizing success allows divers to maintain a positive outlook and boosts their overall performance while diving.