Many people get nervous before a big presentation, business meeting, or an upcoming date.
Feeling nervous before a performance is natural and part of your body’s way of helping you do your best.
“Nervous and excited are the same sensation. Stop saying you are nervous and start saying you’re excited.” – Deb Bixler
Nervousness can get the best of us and can be hard to avoid for some, but with some practice anyone can overcome it.
“To show his nervousness was not shameful; only to admit it.” – Ernest Hemingway
“If I don’t train enough, of course I’m nervous.“ – Haile Gebrselassie
Situations that may cause nervousness:
- Job interviews
- Meeting strangers
- Public speaking
- Exams
- Parties / Meeting new people
- Past memories
These tips can help you manage that feeling:
1. Relax your body:
Try to relax yourself ahead of time to reduce nervousness.
2. Drink water:
Adrenalin can cause a dry mouth, which in turn leads to getting tongue-tied. Symptoms of dehydration include restlessness and irritability.
3. Be aware of your emotions:
Try to be aware of your emotions throughout the day and pinpoint moments when you feel anxious.
4. Get more sleep:
Loss of sleep can be a major trigger for nervousness, so making sure you are well rested is important.
5. Take deep breaths:
Slow, deep breathing has been shown to reduce the heart rate, relax muscles and release tension.
6. Concentrate on the Ideas:
Concentrate on the ideas you want to get across, not on your own nervousness.
7. Prepare in advance:
Preparation for the specific task that makes you nervous will make you feel ready and self-assured.
8. Self-Massage:
Press and massage your forehead to energize the front of the brain.
9. Drink less caffeine:
Caffeine is known to make people feel nervous and jittery. Try to avoid drinks with caffeine, especially before an event you are nervous about or late at night.
10. Exercise:
The most important tool for reducing nervousness is exercise.
Signs and Symptoms of Nervousness:
- Sweaty hands
- Dry mouth
- Rapid heartbeat
- Upset stomach and nausea
- Feeling restless and agitated
Reduce sweating from nervousness:
Use some simple steps to avoid sweating too much when you are nervous.
- Wear cooler clothes.
- Use a strong antiperspirant.
- Avoid wearing hats.
Quotes about Nervousness:
There are two types of speakers. Those who get nervous and those who are liars. – Mark Twain
Confidence is what we get when we take fear, face it and replace it. – Tim Fargo
Nervousness always provokes mistakes, and mistakes lead to easy convictions. – S.R. Ford, Mimgardr
His hands were tingling and he was sweating under falling snowflakes. – David Rangel
There is no such thing as getting rid of nervousness. – Itzhak Perlman
I think it’s the nervousness and the worry that it won’t last forever that keeps us working so hard. – Bonnie Hammer
Don’t try to be what you’re not. If you’re nervous, be nervous. If you’re shy, be shy. It’s cute. – Adriana Lima
