How to cope when you’re nervous #NaBloPoMo

What do you do to cope when you're nervous? It seems rather an odd question, hardly anything to write a complete blog post about, but that's the topic for today's NaBloPoMo campaign. I'm really struggling with this one, as I could easily answer this in two words…I Don't! How do you write a complete article on such a simple answer? 

Really, I don't think I cope very well at all when I'm nervous. I haven't quite figured out how to manage that emotion well. I tend to do a lot of pacing and find myself unable to focus on much at all. Trying to carry on a conversation with me is rather comical as I can't really think clearly either nor pay attention to what you are saying. 

I know a great method many swear by is taking deep breathes and meditating and "going to their happy place". I've tried this. What usually happens is getting light headed and as I said, I can't  stay focused well, so going to my happy place isn't really a possibility. 

My most common approach to over coming nerves is to eat. Thus probably why I'm a good 50lbs over my ideal weight. But we're working on this impulse. But I need more logical ways to manage my nerves. So I've come up with a list of great ways to help you cope when you become nervous. 

1. Eat more proteins. for those that have a tendency to eat when you are nervous, this is quite helpful. You will still be able to do the eating, but just switch out the sweets and low nutrition carbs for something that can actually help you manage your physical reaction to the nerves. Eat proteins that are packed with Vitamin B as it's been shown to help you better manage the stress on your body. 

2. Stay away from caffeine!  Caffeine will only give more energy to the nerves and will work against you as you try to calm your body down. Instead drink a calming herbal tea like Peppermint or chamomile. 

3. Research! If you are nervous about a change, starting a new program, moving or the sorts you will find yourself quite nervous. To help combat this do as much research about what you are nervous about. It is shown that the more you know about something the less you fear it. If you are nervous about moving to a new location, learn all you can about that location. If you are nervous to start a new program, find others that have done it and see what they have to say; they could very well help you through your nerves. 

4. Think Positive thoughts. Instead of worrying about all the things that can go wrong, think instead of all the things that can go right with the event that is setting your nerves on edge. If you are scared about public speaking, visualize yourself doing a great job and you able to deliver your speech perfectly and the great reactions. It will help calm your fears and help you not be so nervous. 

5. Be Prepared. If you are nervous about a new experience, starting a new school, a test, or a talk the best think you can do is to be prepared. Make sure you have everything you need prepared and set out the night before. If you have a test coming, be sure that you study as much as you can. If you are giving a public speech, be sure you have your speech written out and practice delivering it multiple times. Do all you can to be prepared. 

6. Relax. I know this is what I said I struggle with the most; but it's also been found to be one of the best ways to cope with being nervous. Take deep breathes, think happy thoughts, and do things that help you relax the most. For me it would be to curl up with a great book in a nice hot bath with pleasant aroma candles burning. Or maybe just put what you are nervous about out of your mind while you watch a great new movie. Anything that helps you to relax will definitely help you mange your nerves the best. 

What do you do to cope when you're nervous?

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Tagged as: coping with nerves, nervous, relaxation