Everybody has felt the sensation of their stomach turning and their mind racing when about to be put in front of an audience. Some people might be lucky enough to feel calm when it comes down to having all eyes on them, but what about those that become a nervous wreck when about to step into the spotlight? How do they overcome their anxiety and come out on top? Well, here are a couple of tips that can help you fight those butterflies that you feel in your stomach before a performance or a even a presentation for a class assignment!

Elizabeth Yerby is a senior at Bob Jones this year and has been on the color guard for the past three previous years. Every Friday night, during football season, she attends the games and performs a routine during halftime with the band members. This is called the halftime time show. Elizabeth performs in front of almost over 1,000 people on a regular game, but sometimes more than 10,000 people can show up for a game if Bob Jones Is playing a certain team. Performing in front of that many people can sure put a lot of pressure on a person, so how has Elizabeth gotten past her anxiety for the past three years?  Elizabeth said that each time before a performance she prays a small prayer that she will do her best, and she sometimes does some deep breathing just to release some anxiety. Elizabeth also commented on how she tries to make others feel less worried about performing by telling them, “Remember that it’s okay if you mess up, just try to get back in as fast as you can and have a great time.”

Those agonizing class presentations sure happen a lot when you are in high school. The terrible wait in class makes your anxiety sky rocket. Zoë Howard comments on how she is able to present in front of her classmates, she said,” I count to ten in my head before I have to present, and when I am presenting, I look at an object.”

Abigail Jacksons also commented, “What I find that helps me is not looking at people’s faces, but at the top of their heads.” ADAA claims that eating a well-balanced meal and exercising daily can help lower anxiety.

Since our school day and extracurricular activities often involve getting up in front of people, we can at least feel better knowing that almost everyone else is nervous, too. They just might have better coping strategies.