Calming Nerves

You know that feeling? Your stomach leaps into your throat, you feel jittery and you can’t stop wringing your hands.

Call it what you will, we all experience nerves or adrenaline throughout life.

Sometimes for me, it’s more than I can handle. It’s not that it overcomes me, I just allow it to be there instead of moving past it or like many say, use them as a catalyst.

We all know that feeling. We are after all, human.

I’ve spoken and presented at my share of conferences, so although I feel confident in the subject matter, I sometimes still feel unsettled about the unknown and the audience’s reaction. Sometimes I’ve stumbled over my words, I forgot to take a breath so my voice becomes shaky, my hands are shaking when I’m holding something and my face becomes red.

Sometimes.

It’s a work in progress.

My first step? Be okay with being nervous. Learn how to channel it.

Next?

• Bach Flower Essence Rescue Remedy: I kid you not, it’s like natural vallium. It calms the nerves, helps with anxiety and although subtle, you feel a wave of gentleness flow over you. I always carry it with me in my purse. Pick it up at Whole Foods or any other natural food store.
• Meditate: I’ve been meditating my whole life, so it’s my natural go-to for stress relief. If meditation isn’t your thing, just simply close your eyes and take deep breaths. Do this if you can, by yourself. Our days are usually so outward, that we rarely have time for a little time inside, with yourself. This is your centering mechanism. I suggest even 5 minutes if that’s all the time you can muster.
• Nature: Sometimes just getting my barefeet on grass is all I need. It grounds me. Whether it’s a hike, a run, or a workout that can help you immensely with the natural endorphins you feel from being outside and active.
• Help line: I have those few special people (definitely including the moms) on speed dial, ala “phone a friend” to help me laugh, get my mind off it, or just provide encouragement. I always let them know if I’m about to be doing something where I may need their support, and jokingly, I say they’re on call.

How do you stay calm in the wake of nerves? Any special tips?