Are you facing a key business meeting or an important presentation? Are you meeting your superior or perhaps a new team you are supposed to lead? In such cases, it is completely normal to experience stress, have a higher blood pressure and heart rate, as well as feel restless and nervous. However, there are some simple and reliable techniques which can help you calm down. Here are four tips on easing nervousness before an important work or life event.
Movement
One way to relieve stress and provide the body with endorphins is to engage in demanding physical activity in the morning before the event, such as running, circuit training or anything else that physically tires you. After intense physical activity, calmness, relaxation and the release of happiness hormones follow.
Meditation or mindfulness
Meditation, if you are able to practise it, can reliably calm you down. If you can't master meditation, you might try diverting your attention from the stressful event using mindfulness. Focus on some detail and examine it thoroughly in your mind. For example, sit in your office and spend a few minutes closely studying some object, such as a stapler.
Breathing exercises
According to PsychCentral.com, proper breathing can effectively slow your heart rate and calm you down. The key is to breathe calmly and exhale for twice as long as you inhale. Ideally, count to five while inhaling and to ten while exhaling.
Listening to favorite music
Properly chosen music can effectively tune and calm you. Rely on your personal favourite and time-tested songs and melodies which have a positive effect on you.
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