Turn Your Anxiety into Excitement

Have you ever felt your heart race, your palms sweat, and butterflies flutter in your stomach before a big presentation, performance or big match? These feelings are all too common for those who experience anxiety in high-pressure situations. But what if I told you that these same sensations could actually work to your advantage? This is where the technique of 'reframing' comes in, helping to turn anxiety into excitement and boost your performance.

The Similarities Between Anxiety and Excitement

Both anxiety and excitement cause similar physical reactions in our bodies. The main difference is how we interpret these sensations. Anxiety often leads us to see these symptoms as a sign of danger or threat, which can make us feel stressed. Excitement, on the other hand, makes us see the same symptoms as signs of anticipation and readiness, which can make the experience more positive.

Reframing: Changing Your Perspective

Reframing is a simple technique that involves changing the way we think about a situation. By consciously deciding to interpret the signs of anxiety as excitement, we can shift our mindset. This doesn’t change the physical sensations themselves but rather the way we experience them, allowing us to approach the situation with a more positive and confident attitude.

Reframing is commonly used by hypnotherapists to help clients make changes in their lives and meet their goals.

The Science Behind Reframing

Research by Professor Alison Wood Brooks* at Harvard University has shown the power of reframing in changing anxiety into excitement. In her study, participants faced anxiety-inducing tasks like singing in public, giving speeches and solving tough maths problems. They were divided into three groups:

1. Control Group: No specific instructions were given.
2. Anxiety Group: Participants were told to acknowledge their anxiety.
3. Excitement Group: Participants were encouraged to say, "I am excited."

The results were clear: those who told themselves they were excited performed better across all tasks. They gave better singing performances, they were more persuasive and confident in their speeches and solved maths problems more effectively. Interestingly, their physical signs of anxiety, like heart rate and breathlessness, didn’t change. It was their mindset that made the difference.

How to Reframe Your Anxiety

The next time you're facing an anxiety-inducing situation, try this simple approach:

1. Recognise the Symptoms: Notice the physical signs of anxiety—like a racing heart or sweaty palms.
2. Reframe the Feeling: Say to yourself, "I am excited." Focus on the positive aspects, like the chance to showcase your skills or learn something new.
3. Use the Energy: Let the energy from these sensations fuel your performance. Remember, the physical reactions are the same; it’s your interpretation that makes the difference.

By changing your mindset from anxiety to excitement, you can turn nervous energy into a powerful force that boosts your performance. This technique not only improves your immediate experience but also builds your resilience for future challenges. Remember, your mind is incredibly powerful—by changing your thoughts, you can change your experience.

So, the next time you're preparing for a big presentation or event, don’t try to calm yourself down. Instead, tell yourself that you’re excited. Your mind and your performance will thank you for it. If you need a bit of help learning how to reframe your anxieties into feelings of excitement, why not book a free 15 minute clarity call to talk about how I can help.

 * Brooks, A.W. "Get Excited: Reappraising Pre-Performance Anxiety as Excitement." Journal of Experimental Psychology: General 143, no. 3 (June 2014): 1144–1158.