What do I do with Performance Anxiety?
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Have you ever been nervous before a performance for an audience? Ever got jitters before recording your song in front of a camera?
Here are some tips backed by neuroscience and used by Olympic Athletes.
#1) Take 7 deep breaths. This calms your nervous system and stops the overthinking cycle.
#2) Visualize yourself in the place you love the most. Use your 5 senses.
#3) Visualize yourself performing your song going perfectly and playing with freedom. Imagine your clothes, the room, and all your surroundings. Again use your 5 senses. Focus on a confident finish and feeling good!
This is not a one-and-done strategy. Your nervous system improves and repairs over time. This must be done consistently to improve results.
Here's a good schedule:
A few weeks out from the performance
- - Practice visualization techniques
- - Play songs for an informal audience of family or friends
- - Practice in your performance attire
Day before the performance
- Practice visualization techniques
- Do not over practice songs
- Get good sleep and nutrition
Day of performance
- Practice visualization techniques (above)
- Play songs a maximum of twice before the performance venue or recording your songs.
- You will play the best the first few times of the day
- Focus on musicality, not perfection!
