"Ask KRS" Advice Column
Solutions for positive, mindful living with easy
ways to
fit healthful habits into your
busy days.
This
Month’s Letter
Dear KRS,
I am currently engaged in giving small workshops to 20-30 people. The night
before the seminar I have difficulty sleeping and feel extremely anxious.
Participants in the groups comment that I present myself well as a communicator
and always look relaxed. If they only knew. I have also started competing in
Masters athletic events. When training for these events I do very well but in
competition I feel extremely anxious and consequently cannot perform up to
standard. Your help would be appreciated.
Performance Anxiety.
Dear Performance Anxiety,
It may help you to know that performance anxiety is very common. In fact,
experts say public speaking is our number one fear, surpassing the fear of
dying!
Pursuing things you fear is an excellent vehicle for you to overcome not only
your fears but the deep rooted causes behind them. The worst aspects of fear,
if you break it down, are the physical sensations – the tight shoulders, rapid
heartbeat or whatever your personal reactions to stress might be. In other
words, thoughts cause physical reactions which alarm us and cause more stressful
“what if” thoughts – and so on into a negative self-perpetuating cycle.
Here are two suggestions to implement when stressful thoughts arise:
1) Ask yourself “Where do I feel the stress in my body right now?” Then focus on
that area, circle the pain with an imaginary magic marker and observe it with
interest versus fear. Study all aspects of the tense area and give yourself
permission to let go of the tension in that area. When outside thoughts arise,
just bring your attention back to the physical discomfort and continue to open
and release that area of your body as you let your breathing grow deep and
rhythmic. As this area releases you will feel more relaxed and ready to drift
off.
2) Catch nervous negative thoughts and images and replace them with a positive
image such as you standing at the podium in complete confidence doing what you
love and telling people what they want to know. Whether you stumble on a word
or have to check your notes is SO unimportant. The main thing to remember is
that you have information they will enjoy hearing. You already have input that
you look relaxed and people enjoy what you say. Believe it! During athletic
competition, try to put your mind in the space when you are alone practicing.
Block out any external input and stay in your space.
This challenge is not a roadblock. It is a wonderful opportunity to overcome a
needless fear and become a better speaker, athlete and – person.
KRS | 
