Do you spend months preparing for your big performance just for it be ruined by stage fright?
When I was 5 years old, I was so shy that my mom put me into dance classes which started to blend into drama classes until I graduated with my drama degree in college. As you can imagine, there were plenty of times right before a performance where I would start to feel my heart racing and would have the strong desire to go hide from the world…
When it comes to confronting pre -show anxiety, it is an issue that isn’t widely discussed in the creativity industry but still experienced by many. Creative individuals, particularly performing artists, are deemed fearless when it comes to the stage. Although , the freedom artists may feel on or after a show doesn’t necessarily save us from the endless chatter of worrying thoughts that creep up before a performance.
Thoughts like:
- Will I mess up?
- What if I’m not as good as I think I am?
- Will I look stupid?
- Will people judge me?
- What if it gets negative reviews?
If any of these thoughts pop up in your mind before a show, know that you aren’t alone. Throughout my years in the dance and drama world, I have learned through trial and error the best techniques in significantly lowering worries to ensure you have the best show possible.
1. CBD is a powerful tool for Pre show anxiety
CBD oil has been studied as an effective method in providing relief for anxiety and many other issues such as sleep and depression. Part of CBD’s popularity is that it claims to be “nonpsychoactive,” and that consumers can reap health benefits from the plant without the high. CBD is a great resource to combat anxiety because it truly gives your body an overall feeling of calmness and there are a lot of different options to choose from: pure CBD Oil , Capsules, Drinks, Topical Balm, the list goes on. As a performer, CBD is a great tool to have because it’s easy ( just a few drops under the tongue or food) which makes it easy for on the go.
2. Have an “anti- stage fright empower journal” of things you love.
Consider having a journal that you can pick up and read anytime you need encouragement. Your empower journal should be full of content that will place you into a confident mindset and calm your nerves before going on stage. This could include your favorite affirmations, quotes, music lyrics ,or excerpts from your favorite book.
Related : 5 Creative Habits to Destress When Life Is Chaotic
3. Breathing techniques
Breathing techniques are a quick way to relax your nervous system and refocus your mind. They have many benefits such as:
- Lower heart rate.
- Lower your blood pressure.
- Reduce stress
- Better manage chronic pain.
- Better regulate your body’s reaction to stress and fatigue.
- Reduce the possibility of burnout for caregivers.
There are many different breathing exercises to try out but one of my favorites is:
Alternate Nostril Breathing: This affects the circulatory system through the nervous system: calming you down through distraction and a feeling of being in control. The trick is to breathe in through one nostril, and then exhale, and then breathe out through the other: 5 through each nose.
For more breathing exercises to reduce pre-show anxiety, here is the 5 Best Pranayama for Stress Relief
4. Find Time Alone Before The Show
The last method to combat pre show anxiety as an artist is to try and find time alone before the show starts. It’s beneficial to maintain all your energy for the performance rather than partaking in common energy drainers like scrolling through your phone, or responding to emails and texts.
THE TAKEAWAY:
Before a big performance, so many artists ( if not at all at some stage!) experience pre-show anxiety ( I know I did!). But before you let the racing thoughts take over, try out some of these noteworthy techniques that will ensure peace of mind and an astounding performance:
- CBD: Sense of peace & without the feeling of the “high.” The great thing about CBD too is that is has a wide variety of options ( oils, capsules, food/drink) making it easy to take with you on the go
- Empower journal: Keeping a journal of all your favorite quotes, accomplishments, role models, is a quick and easy way to get you in the right mindset.
- Breathing techniques: There are many breathing techniques that help to lower your racing heart and ease your mind. My favorite is the Alternate Nostril Breathing technique.
- Finding Time Alone: When you’re alone before a big show, you can focus solely on what you need to get ready, and not be distracted by anything else that may be going on.
So, what techniques are you ready to try to combat stage fright?