It is common and entirely normal to feel nervous before an exam, be it academic, work related or perhaps a driving test. A degree of nervousness can actually aid your performance.  A problem arises when the anxiety associated with the exam or test causes symptoms which inhibit performance. Examples may be, nausea, trembling, your mind going blank, extreme fear of failure, and negative thought processes about what may go wrong. [Read more…]

Blushing is an unconscious physical reaction that is caused by certain situations which for many people can cause embarrassment and distress. The embarrassment of blushing can become so severe that the sufferer avoids any social contact that they feel may trigger it.  Often the anticipation blushing in similar situations leads to a cycle of worrying about it happening again which then increases anxiety and tension and so increases the chances of blushing again.   [Read more…]

Some people seem to be born to enjoy public speaking or performing, whereas for others it can cause extreme anxiety. A touch of performance anxiety can be a good thing and is often described as being useful in giving the performer an edge. A problem arises when the anxiety causes symptoms which inhibit performance. Examples may be, nausea, trembling, flushing, your mind going blank, being tongue tied, inhibited voice projection and catastrophising about what may go wrong. [Read more…]