Coping with Swans related stress

[andyn]

I should be very used to feeling a little anxious about Swans games given the way we play and our tradition of providing heart attack moments. I always try to think 'it's only a game' or 'it's not like we're going to win the premiership this year' when we lose, but here I am waiting to finish work to go down to the SCG on a Friday night, and I'm actually nervous! It sucks. So has anyone mastered any tips on coping with Swans related stress?

[JF_Bay22_SCG]

I should be very used to feeling a little anxious about Swans games given the way we play and our tradition of providing heart attack moments. I always try to think 'it's only a game' or 'it's not like we're going to win the premiership this year' when we lose, but here I am waiting to finish work to go down to the SCG on a Friday night, and I'm actually nervous! It sucks. So has anyone mastered any tips on coping with Swans related stress?

One answer, DRINK!

The stress we are having now is weird. i remember the days back in 1991/92 where we'd be stoked if we won a half. And weirdly look back on these dark old days with an odd amount of fondness.

I'm worried about our game in wet weather as well. our often-manufactured skills fell apart completely against Geelong. we seriously lacked any form of half forward line at all.

JF

[neilfws]

A great question and I wish there were a simple answer (apart from drink). It never gets better for me; the butterflies start 2 days before a game, but a calm comes over me as soon as I get to the ground. I love the wins, heart attack or not and the losses: well, I just sit back, fold my arms, watch it unfold grimly and say "ah well, next week".

I suppose my advice is: try to enjoy the occasion and the beauty (or not) of the game, as much as the team performance.

[Big Al]

Those that have sat any where near me in the past know me to be a bit fiery and vocal. I have learnt the hard way over summer that this angst and worry is a little silly in the grand scheme of things. As a result I'm now super calm during matches which means I'm enjoying the footy much much more. If we win that is great and i'll celebrate and enjoy but if we lose then there is always next week.

[Auntie.Gerald]

Im loosing it jerry !!

loosing it !!!!

[ScottH]

Yep, beer, and fingernails.

[satchmopugdog]

What about the stress after the game....Friday night football..at least The anticipation stress is cut short but now I feel dreadful for the whole weekend..listless,apethetic tripping over torn up membership cards

[Primmy]

I try the Pollyanna method. That bit was brilliant. I think Sam Reid is going to get better and better. Whattabout Mumford!! Wow that tackle was great! and I ignore the final result.

[erica]

I try the Pollyanna method. That bit was brilliant. I think Sam Reid is going to get better and better. Whattabout Mumford!! Wow that tackle was great! and I ignore the final result.

I agree about Mumford and just love watching him attack the game. I do worry, though, about how long he can perform at such a level.

[Primmy]

Oddly enough Mumms reminds me of Paul Kelly. Doesn't know he can't do it.

[satchmopugdog]

Oddly enough Mumms reminds me of Paul Kelly. Doesn't know he can't do it.

Feeling better already with that thought....the old Paul Kelly "someone's got my ball get that ball get that ball"

[Margie]

Feeling better already with that thought....the old Paul Kelly "someone's got my ball get that ball get that ball"

Ha ha. Talk about never-say-die, those were the days.

[GongSwan]

I would never drink and watch the game at home, probably end up with a glass thrown at the plasma at some point

[Big Al]

I would never drink and watch the game at home, probably end up with a glass thrown at the plasma at some point

The remote is confiscated from me during Swans matches due to an incident a few years ago so I know what you mean.

[Jesse Richards]

I have had some very uncomfortable medical moments toward the end of close Swans games - high blood pressure related problems and am not willing to endure another season of wondering if I'm going to survive to see the end of the game. One time when I was taken to hospital in an ambulance, I went home immediately after triage to watch a Swans game because there was no guarantee I would be treated before the game started. Luckily we won that game easily.

For this year I have decided that there is no way Longmire can be expected to win a Premiership in his first season; that he is building and exploring. So I am resolved to enjoy the positives - like our first half against Carlton and our seemingly new found ability to play superfast. I have resolved not to worry about who is left in or out of the team for the rest of this year, not to stay up till 3am reading every post on RWO, not to stress over idiotic opinions in the media or elsewhere and not to lose sleep over whether we win or not. I am resolved, too, not to let idiotic AFL commentators, Andydimwitriou or anyone else have any effect on my sense of well being, health or happiness, no matter how greedy or shady, insulting or corrupt I believe it/they/them/he is/may be/appear to be etc. (There I go again and the physical symptoms are uncomfortable and immediate.)

I feel like I'm selling out through not maintaining the rage and the passion but there's always next year...