Nerves always seem to pop up at the worst possible time, like before a big meeting or job interview. For people battling addiction, a rush of nerves can often be a trigger, leaving a strong urge to drink or use drugs in its wake. It’s important to come up with healthy ways to deal with your nerves, instead of simply avoiding the situation or turning to substance use.
Here are 8 Ways to Overcome Your Nerves
- Pump yourself up – nervous energy can build up, making you feel even more jittery and uncomfortable. If you can’t beat it, embrace it; use that nervous energy to remind yourself that this situation, whether it’s in interview or adate, could be a good thing for you.
- Be more prepared – generally, the better you can prepare for just about any situation you’re faced with, the better you’ll feel going into it. Know what you need to expect and prepare your notes or yourself ahead of time.
- Remember: people generally aren’t judging you or your actions – Everyone is dealing with their own things, their own challenges, and despite what you may think, they’re probably not focused on someone else’s life.
- Fake it until you make it – when it comes to new people or situations that make us nervous, the best thing you can do is just go with it. Tell yourself you’re going to great that new colleague or associate as enthusiastically as you would an old friend, and you may find that the meeting goes smoother, and you’re more relaxed. Even if you don’t feel calm, proceeding as if you do will help get you in the right frame of mind.
- Breathe – If your nerves are causing you to take quick, short breaths, take a few minutes before you step into the situation to take slow, deep breaths to help calm yourself down.
- Ask yourself what the worst case is – what’s the worst possible outcome for the situation you’re dreading? 9 times out of 10, the world won’t end if it doesn’t go your way.
- Focus on the good – nerves tend to make us look at the worst case scenario, so try thinking about your positive attributes that will help you give it your best effort.
- Be brave – Whatever it is that’s making you nervous, you have to tackle it head on. “Courage is being scared to death, and saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne
At The Springboard Center, we know that you and your family need a treatment provider you can trust. Incorporating the best of practices we have created a meaningful program to restore health and dignity with quality care and counseling. Call us today for information on how we are serving the Permian Basin: (432) 620-0255
