Managing stage fright with relaxation

Many performers have learned to manage their stage fright issues with relaxation techniques.  This is especially useful if your big problem is how you feel before you go on stage, but some people also report that a relaxed body and mind beforehand will carry over to the performance as well.

Try some muscle relaxation.  One standard method is to lie down on your back in a quiet place, and tense and relax each muscle in your body.  Start with the toes, and move up, tensing each muscle group for a count of ten, and then relaxing it.  Breathe deeply.  Work your way up to your shoulders, neck, and face muscles.  This should get your body and mind completely relaxed, and at the very least it will take your mind off your imminent stage performance for a while.

Meditation can also be a great help.  It takes practice, but you can learn to empty your mind and find peace, even right before the big show.  I’m no expert on this topic, but a quick google search should turn up hundreds of useful books.

Many veterans of the stage report that they experience peak anxiety just before they go on stage, and then get more calm and focused when they actually perform.  You might find that as your gain experience on the stage, you develop this habit as well.