1. Have a mantra or special sequence that gets you to chill out every time. Ever since I was little, I've had a mantra, a repeated word, that helps to slow my breathing and calm me down if I'm panicked, nervous or stressed. When I say it either inside or as a whisper, I can actually feel the tension diminish dramatically. Before a performance or job interview, I say my mantra, sit in a quiet place, and breathe deeply for a couple minutes. I also find that doing arm stretches helps to loosen me up and makes me feel more energized.
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I also love this book for more ideas on staying calm and boosting happiness. |
3. Get enough sleep. This is probably the hardest thing for me because sometimes it can be difficult to shut my brain off and fall asleep if I'm stressed. I always have Sleepytime tea, lavender essential oil, and melatonin on hand for those times I need extra help. Prioritize sleep during stressful times.
4. Think about a time you were nervous or stepped out of your comfort zone. When I look back on my life, some of the moments that made me the most anxious beforehand ended up being the best. When I was 22, I bought a one-way ticket to the Czech Republic, with a month-long stint working in the French Pyrenees beforehand. I knew some people thought I was crazy, but I had traveled abroad alone a few times before and knew it was the time in my life to do it. I remember the night before I left, I felt like I was making a huge mistake. Turns out, it was one of the best things I've ever done.
Now, I'm curious to hear from you: What works for you when you need to remain calm under pressure?