6 Ways to Manage Performance Anxiety

I used to have crippling pre-performance anxiety, literally for weeks before the performance or audition. It held me back for many years & broke my heart because I wanted & loved to perform so much but could not figure out how to break through.

It has taken me many years with many teachers, healers, & my own extensive studies & work to manage my anxiety & finally perform like I always knew I could!

And my deepest wish is to help other singers & performers cut through the BS sooner so that they don’t spend years spinning their wheels like I did.

And here are my top 6 tools that have helped me to break through, manage my performance anxiety, & finally become the performer of my dreams.

1. Over-Prepare  
  Preparation is key. The more prepared you are, the less room there is for anxiety to take over. Aim to be 120% prepared at home so that by the time you’re on stage, you feel 90% ready to shine.

2. Regulate Your Nervous System  
  It’s essential to find what works best for calming your nerves. Whether it's meditation, breathwork, yoga, or simply taking a walk, having a go-to method to center yourself before and during a performance can make all the difference.

3. Rehearse the Performance in Your Head  
  Visualization is a powerful tool. Mentally running through your routine can improve performance, just like the top athletes do. Start small by imagining yourself confidently singing or performing just one song with ease.

4. Re-Wire Your Subconscious Brain  
  If you struggle with limiting beliefs about your abilities, it's important to address them. These beliefs can manifest as self-sabotage if left unchecked. Consider exploring therapy, meditation, or hypnotherapy to help rewire your brain for success.

5. Deal With Your Perfectionism  
  Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to enjoying your performance. Focus on letting go of the need to be perfect and embrace making mistakes as part of the process. By doing so, you free yourself to enjoy the experience more fully.

6. Be Present  
  Lastly, remember to stay present. Focusing on the moment and being in the zone can make your performance truly magical. When you are fully connected with yourself and the audience, that’s when the real magic happens.

I hope you find these tips helpful and that they bring a little more ease and confidence to your next performance. If you'd like to explore these techniques further, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to discuss them with you.

All my love & support!

Kat <3