We dare to assume that almost everyone has experienced nervousness and unpleasant emotions before important events, instead of enjoying the process.
First and foremost, as psychologists say, let’s acknowledge that a range of emotions is normal.
Secondly, let’s accept the fact that dealing with stress has become a common request in today’s world.
We offer ways to minimize, if not completely eliminate, anxiety and turn it into a driving force.
Below are some ways to help ground yourself and experience less than usual.
Assess the situation rationally
No matter how trivial it may sound, at the beginning, it is often necessary to assess the situation rationally.
Don’t distort reality or catastrophize the entire event, because if one point out of ten falls through, it doesn’t mean that everything else will fall apart.
Of course, when things don’t go according to plan, it can severely unsettle anyone, but even seemingly hopeless situations can be resolved.
So, before overloading your already stressed mind, return to reality and compare the scale of the disaster with reality.
Don’t forget to rest the day before
An important point for comfort on the day « X » is quality rest the day before.
Only you know how to bring your thoughts in order and treat yourself to something pleasant for both your stomach and your body.
Book a relaxing treatment, go to a spa, have a lovely breakfast at one of the capital’s restaurants, watch your favorite movie, or read a book.
If there’s no time or energy for activities outside the house, try, at least, to focus on quality (and prolonged) sleep.
Organize your day and take care of your surroundings
Discipline is always a good idea, especially when it comes to an important event, so it’s in your power to plan your schedule so that everything you can control brings satisfaction or, at least, emotional calm.
Take care in advance of when your morning will start, how to organically fit in your preparations, favorite rituals, and more.
It wouldn’t hurt to take care of your surroundings too.
Think about those you want to see before the event, and those with whom you should limit contact temporarily to minimize the risk of unnecessary stress.
After all, we still have control over what happens to us, but what happens outside—hardly.
Don’t make things worse if something goes wrong
Frustration and self-blame are useful tools, but sometimes these tools can play a bad joke before the event of your life.
It’s not always easy to stop the mind from obsessive thoughts and, worse, self-criticism.
Also, it’s hard to see where the line is between constructive criticism and when it turns into reproaches and negative thoughts about yourself.
Imagine yourself as a small child who fell, and instead of comforting them, the parent starts scolding.
You’d agree that, at that moment, all you want is a hug and a kind word, not an emotional attack.
Filter your information field
The modern agenda suggests scrolling through news feeds 24/7 (including the latest updates from friends and acquaintances on social networks), which can bring both positive emotions and, on the contrary, negativity.
But before an important day, try not to disturb your nervous system more than necessary and, on the event day, focus only on the events that are relevant for you.
If you suffer from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), ask a friend or loved one to compile digests with only the most important updates.
Also, leave notifications on only for selected chats.
Use practical tips
If you are about to speak to an audience, start by stretching your body, starting from your head and neck, and ending with your wrists and feet.
Imagine that with each shake, your anxiety and nervousness are leaving you.
Next, stretch your jaw, as it’s often where tension builds (move it back and forth).
Take a few deep breaths, straighten your shoulders, and then fully relax your body.
For those who are afraid of important people in the audience, we suggest imagining that everything you say is addressed to your best friend who accepts you as you are.
And to avoid feeling embarrassed by too many eyes on you, take a visual anchor—look just above the eyes of everyone present.