Ep 7: 12 Tips for Dealing with Performance Anxiety
12 Tips for Dealing with Performance Anxiety
Do you ever feel like performance anxiety completely hijacks your body before you sing?
Racing heart.
Shaky hands.
Tight throat.
Spinning thoughts.
That awful feeling of wanting to escape before you even step on stage?
In this episode of The Joyful Singer Podcast, I’m talking honestly about performance anxiety — not just as a singer and performer, but as someone who deeply struggled with it for years.
In this episode, we explore a gentler, more compassionate approach to nerves and stage fright — one that helps you work with your body instead of fighting against it.
I’m also sharing 12 practical tools that have genuinely helped me throughout my performing career — tools I’ve tested before auditions, concerts, rehearsals, performances, and high-pressure singing situations.
These are strategies to help you:
- feel more grounded in your body
- regulate nervous energy
- reconnect to your breath
- shift out of panic spirals
- stay connected to your voice under pressure
- and ultimately… enjoy performing more
Because the goal isn’t to become someone who never feels nervous.
The goal is to become someone who knows how to move through it.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why performance anxiety happens from a nervous system perspective
- The difference between fear and danger
- How perfectionism can intensify stage fright
- Why trying to “eliminate” nerves often backfires
- How to stop fighting your body during performances
- 12 practical tools for calming and channeling nervous energy
Including:
- identifying physical symptoms
- preparation + muscle memory
- journaling fears
- meditation + breathwork
- exercise before performing
- visualization
- power poses
- self-talk
- getting into character
- redefining your performance goal
- Yo-Yo Ma’s beautiful “be the host” mindset
- and why exposure matters when it comes to fear
If you’ve ever felt ashamed of your nerves, frustrated by your anxiety, or discouraged by how vulnerable performing can feel… this episode is for you.
And you can absolutely learn how to feel more supported, grounded, and free when you sing.
Resources + Links
The Joyful Singing Starter Kit (FREE):
https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit
Website:
https://www.erinstewart.net
Let’s Stay Connected
Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin
Facebook: Erin Stewart - Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers
If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.
And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review is one of the most powerful ways you can help more singers find this work.
I appreciate you so much for being here!!
Disclaimer
While we talk about mental, physical, and vocal wellbeing here, this podcast is not a substitute for medical, vocal, or therapeutic care. Please seek guidance from a licensed professional for personalized support.
