As much as I love playing gigs, I find them incredibly scary and frightening, and I get nervous for days ahead of every single gig. I had hoped that after playing enough gigs I’d eventually feel less like a nervous wreck beforehand, but sadly this isn’t the case. So lately, I’ve adopted several helpful practices that calm and focus my anxious brain. I always try to block out a few hours prior for these self-care techniques; I’ve learned that when I have to rush straight to a gig after work, I get very flustered and it makes my fear ten times worse.
So here are the things I like to do before every gig, to ease my performance anxiety:
1. Run through my set at least once, so it’s firmed up in my mind.
2. Do gentle stretches and yoga positions
3. Have a relaxing bath or a shower singing session
4. Eat a light, healthy meal, with a cup of peppermint tea to soothe my churning stomach.
5. Watch this video:
“A failure is a try that didn’t work – you can either regret trying, or applaud yourself for trying.”
6. Blow dry, straighten and backcomb my hair
7. Put on a full face of make-up
8. Dance around in my bedroom getting ready listening to one of the following albums:
…and then I’m ready to pack up, leave the house, and kick some butt 🙂
