Overcoming Performance Anxiety with Hypnosis
Just standing up in front of a number of people can be nerve-wracking, let alone performing your best. As a result, many people resort to avoidance behaviors. For example, they avoid promotion at work so they don’t have to give more presentations in team meetings. Another example is avoiding athletic and dance practices to not have to perform at big competitions.
You see, performance anxiety is common and in some instances, it can even create positive nervousness that is enough to push you forward, but if it’s affecting your end result or leading to avoidance it’s time to look for ways to overcome it.
What is performance anxiety?
Performance anxiety, also known as stage fright, normally is a natural response to high-pressure situations. It's the body's way of preparing for a challenge, but when it gets out of control, it can be blocking rather than helping. Symptoms can range from sweaty palms and trembling to racing thoughts and a pounding heart.
What are some of the different types of performance anxiety?
When we say performance, don’t just think about singing. We all showcase performance in many different ways.
Common areas where we observe performance anxiety are work presentations, test anxiety, athletic performance, acting, and giving a speech.
Hypnosis can help with overcoming many different types of performance anxiety including athletic performance, test taking, group presentations or giving speech.
How can hypnosis help with performance anxiety?
During a hypnotherapy session, your hypnotherapist will guide you into a state of trance. This relaxed state allows access to the subconscious, where deeply ingrained beliefs and thought patterns are suppressed. Through suggestions, imagery, desensitization, or mental rehearsal, hypnosis helps reframe negative associations with performance situations.
1- Positive expectation: Hypnosis helps replace negative thought patterns with positive, empowering beliefs about your abilities and strengths. In turn, you can build a positive expectation about your performance.
2- Training the body for relaxation: Hypnosis can train your mind with powerful relaxation techniques that can be applied in high-pressure situations. When we are calm and relaxed, we make the best choices. This allows an optimized performance.
3- Increasing confidence: By addressing the root causes of anxiety, hypnotherapy builds a strong foundation of confidence and self-assuredness. When we believe in ourselves and our abilities, our performance reflects that image as well.
4- Reprograming negative events: Some of us have negative memories about being in front of a large group of people. These negative memories continue shaping future experiences. Hypnosis allows to release of any blocking narratives and helps build a positive image for the future.
Final words
Performance anxiety can really get in the way of your optimal performance. When anxious, it’s possible to forget what you know so well or have crippling anxiety that leads to less than perfect performance. If you find that intense anxiety is getting the best of your talents make sure to seek professional help.
Hypnotherapy has been proven to be helpful in eliminating performance anxiety, increasing focus, and optimizing performance. You can be the best that you can be by simply programming your mind to optimized success with hypnosis!