For your benefit as much as ours, here are some tips for dealing with nerves!
Preparation
When a nerve-inducing event is approaching, one of the best ways of dealing with nerves is to prepare yourself as thoroughly as possible.
If you have an exam or work presentation, start thinking about it well in advance. If you have an important appointment, look at the best transport options a few days prior to ensure that you are punctual. If you have an interview, plan out your outfit the day before to limit any last minute freak-outs.
Although preparation won’t completely eradicate your nerves, knowing that you have done all you can to be ready will help to put your mind ever-so-slightly at ease.
Take your mind off things
While preparation is an effective way of dealing with nerves, it is only applicable to some nerve-inducing events.
In situations that you can’t control, like receiving medical results, taking your mind of things is a better way to reduce those butterflies.
Listen to some music, read a book, flick on a favourite TV show or get out and do some exercise. Shifting your focus away from the event will reduce the nervousness linked to it – and make you feel better!
Don’t let nerves frustrate you
When we are jittery, dealing with nerves becomes frustrating.
Sometimes you may feel that you have no reason to be nervous – I have prepared for your presentation as well as you can, why the hell do I still feel this way?!
Other times you will become frustrated that you are nervous about something you can’t control – I have no way of influencing the test results, so why am I feeling so worked up?!
If you notice yourself having toxic thoughts that lead to frustration, take a step back and reflect. Nerves are a natural, and often unavoidable, reaction. Accept your feelings as normal. A crucial part of dealing with nerves is to keep perspective. Don’t let them get the better of you!
Vocalise that you are dealing with nerves
When you are nervous about something, you are more likely over-think or catastrophise a situation. Worries can snowball and make dealing with nerves a hell of a lot harder than it actually is!
When you are experiencing nerves, speak to someone about it – preferably someone who gives honest feedback. They will be able to talk sense, calm you down and pull you back into line if you are being irrational.
Breathe!
It is the biggest cliché in the book for a reason! If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths – in through your nose, and out through your mouth.
When you are dealing with nerves, your body also becomes very tense. Tightened muscles is a quick way to drain energy and leave you feeling exhausted as well as nervy! Taking a few deep breaths can help your muscles relax, and more importantly deliver oxygen to your brain (surprise). This can slow your heart rate down and allow you to keep your thoughts focussed, quelling the butterflies fluttering in your stomach!
