Professor Ian Robertson, one of Europe’s most prominent neuroscientists has come up with a simple, four-point plan for dealing with stress and actually using it to an advantage.
STEP ONE - Actually explain to your brain it's only excited and not stressed or anxious - as you keep telling the brain this, the brain will change and improve how it performs.
Cortisol is produced when you feel stressed and anxious and telling the brain to calm down doesn't work.
STEP TWO - Breathe in slowly for five seconds then out for six. This changes the chemistry in the brain and acts like an anti-anxiety drug.
STEP THREE - Take on a confident posture.
Stand tall, with the 'fight' and not the 'flight' emotion. This tells the brain to feel and act confident.
STEP FOUR - Clench your right fist for 45 seconds, open it for 15 seconds, then close it again for 45 seconds. This switches on the left side of the brain to put you in a 'challenge' frame of mind, lessening anxiety, and improving performance.
