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

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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.