Nervousness can begin to be felt in the form of tremor. Then, the pressure increases. The hands or feet are moved. The palms are moist and you begin to feel as if it were you. The inner calm disappears and gives way to excitement. Nervousness is back, like an old friend that you do not want to see. We arrived at an inopportune time, such as before a meeting or on the day of an exam. So what can you do now? Avoid commitments, and develop a convincing excuse or simply cancel what was important to you? But it will be the best? I do not think so. Given the nervousness, accept it, understand it and develop habits and strategies that help address this challenge more effectively and profitably.
"Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight. "- Benjamin Franklin
"If I do not train enough, of course I'm nervous." - Haile Gebrselassie
I then presented five simple habits to overcome nervousness in social situations:
If you can get ready
If you can get ready
It may seem a bit obvious, but make a good preparation time and not at the last minute, but not necessarily to be perfect, can make a big difference in the outcome. You will feel more secure and relaxed about what is about to do.
- If you have an important meeting, do your homework, being in possession of the necessary information about what may appear at the meeting.
- If you have a date, I think of two or three topics or questions you can address in case the conversation did not flow naturally.
- if you have a job interview, think about what they can ask and prepare some good answers.
Ask yourself: what's the worst that could actually happen?
This question can help you realize that you are exaggerating and mentally create a negative scenario and out of reality. However, even if your answer is realistically negative, the fact of imagining the worst that could happen, may lead you to realize that your fear and your nerves are not so bothersome. When faced with a low level of nervousness before the negative scenario, will increase your confidence in the expected results and therefore be quieter.
View the event or situation in a positive way
It is very easy to get stuck in the usual negative views and habitual that our mind creates when we feel nervous. Therefore, it is important that you first try to calm down physically. You can listen to relaxing music, take a shower or take a walk. Whatever you choose, when you feel more relaxed view on the future situation causing your nervousness.
Then choose two or three things you fear happen and imagine yourself to deal positively with them. See yourself being positive, confident and able to have the desired behavior. See the desired results in your mind. I do not mean the result itself, but to your actions that let you get the result. Then finish visualizing what has happened, for example, that the meeting is over to you to be successful. Notice how you feel? Remember the words you said and the attitude you had.
Breathe deeply to calm down
A few minutes before entering the situation that makes you nervous matter reduce physiological arousal. Little things can help you. Walking more slowly to the meeting point. Move more slowly. Stop a few minutes and see some scenarios of point 3.
At the same time, use your breathing. Breathe a little deeper than you usually do. Make sure to inspire your abdomen and extends the expiration of contracts. Focus your attention for a moment in the air in and out of your nose. This will calm down, facilitating the organization of your thoughts.
Remember, people have other things more important to them than think of you
You may feel as if everyone was looking at their behavior and were attentive to everything you do. This perception is further increase your nervousness and insecurity in what you do. But I want to tell you that this is certainly not a realistic sense, it is built deceptively for you. Others just do not care much about what you do. Just because you think too much about what you do and say, does not mean that others do it too. They have their own worries, fears and insecurities.
This awareness can make you feel a little less important. But of course, will release it a little more and give you security and tranquility to accomplish your goals.