How to calm your nerves before a mentally challenging event

Are you about to give a presentation or a speech at a conference? Are you meeting your boss or the new team you are supposed to lead? Then it is completely normal to feel stressed out before the event; your heartbeat increases, you are fidgeting and you feel nervous. But there are simple techniques that will reliably help you calm down.

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Breathing exercises

According to Psychology Today, with the right breathing technique you can reduce your heartbeat and become relaxed. The key is to breathe slowly and exhale twice as long as you inhale. Ideally, count to five when breathing in and to ten when breathing out.

Physical activity

One way to fight stress and release endorphins is, for instance, to perform a challenging physical activity on the morning of the event. This might be running, circuit training, or anything that makes you feel physically exhausted. After a very demanding activity comes calmness, relaxation and release of "happy" hormones.

Listening to your favourite music

A well-chosen playlist can effectively change your mood and calm you down. Rely on your time-proven personal favourites that have a positive impact on you.

Exposure to cold water

Take an ice-cold shower and you will see you calm down immediately. When you come in contact with cold water, first of all stress hormones are released; if, however, you stay in the shower for a while after finishing your wash, relaxation hormones are released that make you feel calm and happy.

Mindfulness

One way to avoid being nervous during a presentation or meeting is to divert your attention away from the entire stress situation, concentrate on some minor detail and study it in your mind. For instance, you might focus on a member of the audience and study their glasses, hair, clothing, and so on.

 

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Article source Psychology Today - a U.S. magazine and online community focused on psychology
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