Performance anxiety is when your body gets all jiggly and nervous before you do something important, like a big show or test.
Imagine you're about to go on stage and sing, but suddenly your tummy feels like it's doing the cha-cha inside your pants. That’s performance anxiety!
What Causes It?
It's like when you're about to play with your favorite toy, but someone says, "You have to do it in front of everyone!" You get excited, but also a little scared.
Your brain thinks: What if I mess up? So it sends signals to your body, your heart pounds, you might sweat, or even forget the words to your song!
How To Make It Go Away
Think of performance anxiety like a fidgety puppy. You can calm it down by giving it some love and attention.
Take deep breaths, it's like blowing out birthday candles. Inhale through your nose (like you're sniffing a cookie), and exhale slowly through your mouth (like you’re whispering a secret).
You can also practice, the more you do something, the less scary it feels. It’s like learning how to tie your shoes: at first, it takes time, but soon it becomes easy!
Remember, even big stars used to feel nervous too!
Examples
- A student gets butterflies before a presentation but takes deep breaths and feels more relaxed.
- An athlete practices visualization before a big game to feel calmer on stage.
- A musician reminds themselves of past successes to reduce anxiety before a concert.
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See also
- How to manage exam stress by Dr Olivia Remes?
- What is Heart rate variability (HRV)?
- What are emotional regulation strategies?
- Why Do People Get Nervous Before Big Events?
- What are adrenal glands?