When you’re at the centre of attention there’s a perceived expectation to perform successfully, and this can feel stressful. The bodies natural response to this feeling is to produce adrenaline. In many ways this can be a good thing. When harnessed correctly adrenaline is the fire that can make a performance exceptional. Left uncontrolled has the opposite effect. Just like if you were attacked the body reacts to stress with a fight, flight or freeze reaction.
Some common performance anxiety symptoms include:
- A dry mouth and/or a tight throat
- Trembling
- Racing pulse
- An uncomfortable feeling in the stomach
- Nausea
- Change in vision
