Before a show, it's super normal to feel those nervous butterflies in your stomach.

I’ve discovered some breathing exercises that can really help calm you down. Here’s what works for me:

1. Deep Breathing:

• Find a quiet place: Before you go on stage, take a moment to step away and find a peaceful corner.
• Inhale deeply: Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4. Let your belly fill up with air.
• Hold it: Keep that breath in for another count of 4.
• Exhale slowly: Breathe out through your mouth for a count of 6 to 8.

2. Box Breathing:

• This is a really easy and helpful method.
• Inhale for 4 seconds.
• Hold for 4 seconds.
• Exhale for 4 seconds.
• Hold again for 4 seconds.
• Do this a few times, and you’ll start to feel the tension fade away.

3. Visualization:

• While you're breathing, imagine yourself playing perfectly. Picture the audience enjoying your performance.
• This happy vision can be just as calming as the breathing itself.

4. Grounding Techniques:

• If you still feel anxious, concentrate on your feet. Feel them on the ground. This connection can help you feel more present and less worried.

Try these tips the next time you have the gig jitters. They’ve helped me feel more relaxed and in the zone!