"Preparing for Nerve-racking Situations"
The brain cannot tell the difference between a real event and an imagined event. That is why imagination is so powerful. We can prepare for future situations by practicing them in our heads. A research was done to prove this. Two people were preparing for a basketball game. One was told to practice in real life, and the other to practice only inside their head. It turns out that the one who practiced in their head did better than the other.
Hypnotism works the same way. When the hypnotist tells the person that her finger is as hot as iron, and touches the person's arm, he gets an actual, physical burn.
I know that one day I will be singing on a stage in front of many, many people. This would be nerve-racking. However, if I practice this in my head over and over, then I would be able to deal with the situation as if I've already done it a million times.
There is an app for the phone called "Mindshift", which will narrate the situation for you so you can practice situations. It has narrations for different situations ranging from social anxiety to giving a speech to taking a test.
I strongly recommend that you download this free app. It has helped me tremendously, and you won't know what you are missing until you try it out.
Exercise
What is a situation that you are anxious about? Let's do the exercise with your situation in mind.
1. Breath
Close your eyes, and take 5 slow, deep breaths.
2. Situation
Imagine the situation with as much detail as you possibly can. Who is around you? Where is this place? What are you doing? What are others doing?
3. Confident You
Imagine a confident you dealing with the situation well. You are relaxed, confident, and powerful. Your shoulders are back, your chin is up.
4. Notice Your Body
Notice how relaxed you feel. Notice how regular your pulse is. Notice how regular your breath is.
When you face the real situation in the future, remember these feelings and sensations. Recall that confident you that you have imagined.
5. Return
Slowly return to the present moment. Move your fingers and toes. Gently open your eyes.
Afterwords...
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat!
Repeat this exercise every night before bed until the day of the actual event.
You will be surprised at how able and confident you are facing the actual situation.
