Tension
Of course, you’ll feel some nerves when you step on stage or face another exciting challenge. But there’s a big difference between healthy nerves—the pleasant butterflies in your stomach—and overwhelming tension that can make you freeze up or feel unwell. So, how do you handle that excess tension?
Here’s my most important tip: Breathe out instead of focusing on taking deep breaths!
When you exhale fully, you naturally create space for a calm, controlled inhale, which helps your body relax and reduces tension.
Keep exhaling until you can breathe calmly again. When you feel tension rising, resist the urge to take quick, deep breaths—instead, focus on a long, steady exhale. By fully releasing the air, you’ll naturally reset your breathing and invite relaxation back into your body.
This technique helps reduce the build-up of shallow, panicked breathing, which can make tension worse. Feel your shoulders drop and your body soften as you let go of that air.
Try it now: Breathe out slowly… and notice how your next inhale feels easier and calmer. 🌬️ How does it feel for you?
📝 Grab your notebook and, after watching this video, take a moment to reflect on what tension does to you personally.
✔Do your shoulders tense up?
✔Does your breath become shallow?
✔Do you feel your heart racing?
✔Understanding how your body reacts to nerves is key to finding the best techniques for managing them.
What does tension feel like for you? 😊