How to Beat the Jitters (S.O.S.)

March 5, 2015

by Mark David

Tom Hanks used to throw up before performing a scene. Cher had to be physically pushed out on the stage to perform her first concerts. Young Warren Buffet was too shy and nervous to stand up and speak at his first stockholder meetings.

We all know the feeling. When faced with a stressful situation, we’ve all experienced the body’s natural “fight or flight” reactions, including shallow breathing, red face, tight muscles, a pit in the stomach, and a rising sense of panic.

The next time you find yourself in a stressful situation, try these simple steps:

1. Breathe Deeply: Long deep breaths will lower your blood pressure and induce a soothing effect on your body and mind.

1. Create Space: Visualize a “Separation of Space” (S.O.S) between you, the stressful situation and your emotions. Take command. See yourself with your arms stretched out, keeping the stressful situation at arm’s length where you can effectively deal with it.

1. Act Calmly: From this safe calm state, think of the correct behavior or attitude that will help you manage this situation successfully. Don’t rush. Make an objective, thoughtful decision regarding how you will respond at your highest level—and then follow through.

Every time we deal calmly and effectively with a stressful situation, large or small, we store that “success” in our memory bank. Each success makes it easier to deal effectively and confidently with whatever potentially stressful situation life brings us next time.

Remember, when feeling stressed, send out an S.O.S.