A Bad Yogi’s Guide to Nailing It at Work
You’ve been prepping for a presentation in front of your boss all week. On paper, you couldn’t be more ready. But when you walk in the room, anxiety kicks in. Your throat muscles constrict—making your voice softer, more apt to waver, and giving you even more anxiety (fun!). Been here? Me too. Cool, let’s not do it again.
Try these tricks to let your inner badass shine through, regardless of the stress-level of your situation.
- Prep your voice.
Do a few vocal warm-up exercises before going into a nerve-racking situation. The National Theatre has a great short series here. These will relax your face, mouth, neck, and throat muscles and clear your throat chakra. Bonus: they force you to get down with your weird self and act majorly silly. This will help break up some tension.
- Breathe.
Breathe in for 4, out for 6 (or 8 if you can). Favoring the exhales gives your whole body the message to calm down. Focus on breath also eases the mind and reminds you you’re alive (which, let’s be honest, rules).
- Posture.
We all are familiar with the POWER POSE at this point. Even if you don’t feel like busting out a Wonder Woman stance in the middle of your meeting, you can benefit from taking up a confident posture. Lengthen your spine through the crown of your head and allow your shoulder blades to soften down your back. Want to get crazy? Turn up the corners of your mouth. 🙂
- Oils.
I know, I know. They’re having a moment. Try putting Balsam Spruce (or something woodsy and grounding) on the soles of your feet, as a reminder to stay rooted if you get too caught up in your head. A little bit of peppermint on your temples or back of neck will keep you aware.
- Drink something warm.
Even if it’s just hot water, this will soothe and calm your throat, unlike ice water—which could restrict and create tension.
- Remember something you love.
Like your dog’s face when you get home from work. Your little nephew’s giggle. An inside joke with your best friend. Something that makes you smile, naturally, from the inside out. Get those good endorphins flowing and watch yourself transform.
Kick some major butt, like you know you can. YOU GOT THIS.
Over to you! What helps you keep your cool in high-stress situations? Sound off in the comments below!
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6 Comments
Kim
March 1, 2016 at 12:53 pmGreat advice friend!! So happy to see you on The Bad Yogi Blog!! Your are awesome Chris Emmer!!?
Chris Emmer
March 1, 2016 at 5:14 pmYou are the awesome, Kim!!! xoxo
Charlotte
March 1, 2016 at 9:36 pmGREAT tips. I am totally using these. Thank you!
HOW TO GUIDE : Overcoming Anxiety - SweatyWisdom
March 2, 2016 at 4:51 am[…] out to the Bad Yogi Blog who originally posted this […]
Erica
March 7, 2016 at 5:53 amGreat read! The part about posture is great for me.
For things like interviews, I’ve found the less preparation the better! This works for me at least. Not planning ahead too much allows me to stay present (obviously I plan my outfit and print necessary forms etc). When anxiety kicks in I breathe, turn up the music in my car, sing, spray some essential oils and then at least I don’t go in with all these assumptions about what could happen. Also just saying “maaan, I’m anxious! WAAAAAH!” out loud helps me accept the feeling and helps to release it. ?
Amanda
March 8, 2016 at 2:14 pmGreat tips! I get good and prepared, then I try not to think too much. 🙂 Thinking gives you too much time to talk yourself out of it! I also like physical activity, a workout and/or yoga, the morning of whatever thing I’m anxious about. Sticking to my routine helps keep me calm, as does getting myself a little worn out.