Nerves Happen but Why Do They Make Us Feel Yucky?

Nerves happen! You can’t really get away from nerves. We all have them. The initial butterflies and increase in heart rate is a way of your body preparing for what’s about to happen. And it’s OK that your body wants to prepare. They feel yucky because we interpret the butterflies and increase in HR as a negative thing. What ensues is that then we try to figure out what to do about them. Before you know it your thoughts are all over the place, you feel like you are going to throw up and your heart is pounding.It might not always be quite this bad but adding to these emotions reactions can turn them into discomfort and (really) something they aren’t.

Don’t add to the butterflies and increase in HR. Recognize it. Tell yourself something along the lines of ‘my body is preparing’, ‘there’s the butterflies and it’s OK’ or ‘ha I am ready’. What does this do? Firstly you are acknowledging that something is happening; you are being aware. Secondly, you are not adding to it or letting it get out of control, you are in control and guiding your mind about how to think about it. Thirdly, it free’s up space to be present and put your focus where it needs to be.

It’s easier said than done but it can be done. When you first start practicing this you will have to be very consistent to break those old neuro-pathways. Sure but if you were changing your serve or chip shot you wouldn’t expect to do it once and whallah it works right? Just sayin’!

The information in this article not only pertains to tennis and golf but all sports, music, tests, presentations, writing and all other type of performing.

Question: why do we do interpret nerves as a negative thing?

I did a book reading last night. It was a blast! Here’s a picture with the other 3 authors and event host.

I hope you have a great week!

Dr. Michelle