Objective 2: Read various symptoms of performance anxiety and talk about my own experiences.                    

 

Symptoms of performance anxiety are produced by activation of the body's emergency system,

the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, including all the well-known effects of

increases of adrenaline in the bloodstream. The alarm system like increasing heart pumping,

tense muscles, a feeling of breathlessness, a dry mouth, sweaty palms and forehead, quavering

voice, nausea, dizziness can interfere with musical performance.

 

Body

Mind

Emotions

  Rapid heart rate

  Shortness of breath, hyperventilation

  Feeling faint or dizzy

  Tense muscles

  Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting

  Increased perspiration eg. clammy hands

  Dry mouth

  Trembling or shaky voice

Trembling or shaky hands, arms, knees or feet

  Fidgeting, pacing, chewing finger nails

  Loss of sensitivity or numbness in fingers

  Frequent trips to toilet, increased urination, diarrhea

  Insomnia

  Decreased concentration

  Increased distractibility

  Mind blanks, blocks, freezes

  Memory lapses

  Confusion

  Difficulties making decisions

  Interfering negative thoughts

  Difficulties infusing colour or life into the performance

  Fear

  Fright

  Shock, numbness

 Increased irritability

 Vulnerable

  Helplessness

  Feel inadequate, worthless

 

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