Fearing to enter the water, you deprive yourself of the joy of immersion, the pleasure of feeling that you own your body. Instead, you can't cool off on a hot day, avoid trips to seaside resorts, etc. Only a long time working on your fears will help you overcome aquaphobia.
Instructions
Step 1
Determine the cause of your fear. You may be afraid of water because you once experienced a stressful situation related to the object of your fear. Small children are sometimes afraid to swim unconsciously, their instinct for self-preservation is triggered, and often this phobia is carried over into adulthood. You can effectively deal with fear only when you determine the nature of your feelings.
Step 2
Learn to swim. This is the most effective method of getting rid of a phobia - to meet it with active resistance. Anyone can swim, regardless of age, complexion and structural features of the body. Find a good instructor and gradually, step by step, get closer to your goal. Under no circumstances listen to advisers who suggest a stressful method - a person who cannot swim is thrown into the water and waited for him to swim out himself. This approach will only aggravate the situation, "drive" your complex deeper. You should learn to swim.
Step 3
Overcome your fear in open water. During the summer months, trips to a river, reservoir, lake or to the sea are considered traditional. Always take the opportunity to be close to the water. In the company of friends or family, you can sunbathe and feel more confident without feeling ashamed of your fear. To begin with, just try to walk barefoot along the shore, look at the water, leave the pebbles, then enter the water, gradually and slowly. Take a dip, because you will surely be very hot.
Step 4
Change associations. You need to change your perception of water from negative to positive - make dates on the banks of the canal or the sea. While on vacation, be sure to have a nice holiday romance. Once you start associating water with good memories and positive emotions, the process of psychological rejection is over.
Step 5
Use generally accepted methods of dealing with phobias. Art therapy is popular - you paint what strains you and makes you experience negative emotions. Draw waves, accompanying objects on paper using bright colors, and then get rid of the drawing - burn, tear, throw away, etc. More often imagine yourself in the water - as you swim, lie on your back, swaying on the waves, while feeling your strength and confidence.
