About ten years ago our local Sports Club persuaded me to help them raise funds by taking on Anne Robinson’s role in their version of the Weakest Link.

It seemed like a good idea at the time – what could possibly go wrong?

For three sleepless nights before the actual performance the thing that kept going through my mind was:

Why on earth did I think this was a good idea????

So when the night terrors strike before a presentation or performance of any sort, what can you do?

Counting sheep

Doing something that distracts your mind from the source of the terror might help: A repetitive, rhythmic task that doesn’t require too much thought. If it’s too complex your brain is working too hard to sleep.

That’s why counting sheep is often suggested.

You could try counting ceiling tiles, or saying a familiar prayer or a meditation mantra on an endless loop in your head (not out loud or you might wake a sleeping partner!).

Breathe

It might seem blindingly obvious but breathing is generally a good idea!

As a tip for handling nerves it is essential.

Gently take two or three deep breaths and as you let them  go consciously relax your body. Imagine expelling the tension with each breath and floating on air.

Then breathe normally.

Under the covers

As a child you may well have stuck your head under the covers when the night terrors struck and that’s really not a bad idea.

It collects carbon dioxide in a confined space – the equivalent to breathing into a paper bag. Inhaling that carbon dioxide can help to calm you down. Too much and you’ll get light-headed…

Do a Deal

This one is my favourite and my mind can do it quite easily now, though at first it took some effort.

When the panic starts to rise I talk to my sub-conscious and ‘do a deal’.

The part of myself that is responsible for the adrenaline rush is trying to protect me – make me ready to face the challenge. So rather than fight it and try to make it go away, I accept it and thank the part of me that’s doing this.

I then arrange a better time for the adrenaline to kick in. I usually agree that I will welcome it about half an hour before the performance.

That’s exactly what I did the night before the ‘Weakest Link’ performance and, just so you  know, it went brilliantly!

Other Resources for Handling Nerves

Dealing with the adrenaline rush just before a performance is another art and one that we cover on our Presentation Skills course, on our previous blog and in our e-learning module on Handling Nerves.