How to Overcome Performance Anxiety?

So, here's the deal. You've got the entire package, but there's just one thing...

P-E-R-F-O-R-M-A-N-C-E • A-N-X-I-E-T-Y

Would you believe that millions of people suffer from performance anxiety, commonly known as "stage-fright?" Even some of the most famous people experience “stage-fright” and anxiety when having to speak and/or perform in front of an audience. The size of the audience is not the issue, what’s at hand is the “anxiety” that your fear creates during your performance. In fact, athletes, musicians, actors, and public speakers often get performance anxiety.

Performance anxiety can prevent you from doing the thing that you love to do the most and can affect your career. More importantly, performance anxiety can negatively affect your self-esteem and self-confidence and cause depression.

Some believe that it may be totally impossible to completely overcome performance anxiety. With that being said, there are a variety of things that you can do to prevent your emotions from overpowering you that will help to reduce your level of anxiety.

Symptoms of “Performance Anxiety” may include the following:

• Dry mouth and tight throat
• Nausea and an uneasy feeling in your stomach
• Racing pulse and rapid breathing
• Sweaty and cold hands
• Trembling hands, knees, lips, and voice
• Vision changes

If you are experiencing and/or have experienced any one of these symptoms, this is your body's "fight-or-flight" mechanism.  These symptoms are similar to symptoms that may occur when you are in real danger.

No doubt about it, stress and anxiety about performing in front of people causes performance anxiety. In order to combat your fears, you must confront your fears and insecurities and begin accepting yourself for who you are. You don’t have to feel like you have to prove yourself to others. The first step toward overcoming your performance anxiety is to realize that no one’s perfect! It is okay to make mistakes. That is a part of growing.

The next step is learning how to control your negative thoughts and have fun doing what you love to do. Doing this is not as hard as you might think!

I bet you are wondering how you overcome your performance anxiety.

Here’s the answer. Don't focus on what could go wrong. Instead focus on all the positives and visualize your success. Think good thoughts and about how good it is going to feel to get out there again and make people happy. Remember, people came to see “you!” Give it all you’ve got!!

Now here’s the tough part:

• Avoid thoughts that produce self-doubt.
• Practice controlled breathing, meditation, and anything that might help you relax and redirect your thoughts when they turn negative. It is best to practice some type of relaxation technique every day, regardless of whether you have a performance, so that the skill is there for you when you need it.
• Take a walk, jump up and down, shake out your muscles, or do whatever feels right to ease your anxious feelings before the performance.
• Connect with your audience -- smile, make eye contact, and think of them as friends.
• Act natural and be yourself.
• Exercise is also a good stress releaser.
• Remember to eat healthy and stay hydrated.

But, keep in mind that stage fright is usually worse before the performance and often goes away once you get started.

Now, get out there and have some fun!

J.DuCre

Head Writer

Big G Artists Agency, LLC