{"id":19263,"date":"2024-05-30T10:20:37","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T14:20:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/?p=19263"},"modified":"2025-06-03T06:54:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T10:54:44","slug":"how-athletes-can-embrace-feeling-nervous","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-athletes-can-embrace-feeling-nervous\/","title":{"rendered":"How Athletes Can\u00a0Embrace Feeling Nervous"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/embrace-nerves.jpg\" alt=\"How Athletes Can Embrace Feeling Nervous\" class=\"wp-image-19264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/embrace-nerves.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/embrace-nerves-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Handling_Nerves_as_an_Athlete\"><\/span>Handling Nerves as an Athlete<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Article Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-athletes-can-embrace-feeling-nervous\/#Handling_Nerves_as_an_Athlete\" >Handling Nerves as an Athlete<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-athletes-can-embrace-feeling-nervous\/#Physical_symptoms_include\" >Physical symptoms include:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-athletes-can-embrace-feeling-nervous\/#Mental_symptoms_include\" >Mental symptoms include:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-athletes-can-embrace-feeling-nervous\/#Emotional_symptoms_include\" >Emotional symptoms include:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-athletes-can-embrace-feeling-nervous\/#Examine_how_nervousness_and_anxiety_have_impacted_past_performances\" >Examine how nervousness and anxiety have impacted past performances.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-athletes-can-embrace-feeling-nervous\/#Related_Sports_Psychology_Articles\" >Related Sports Psychology Articles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-athletes-can-embrace-feeling-nervous\/#The_Composed_Athlete_Digital_Download\" >The Composed Athlete (Digital Download)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>What is the difference between nervousness and anxiety?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anxiety knocks many athletes off their game. For these athletes, anxiety starts with unchecked nervousness and slowly builds, leading up to a competition and into the warm-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the time the game begins, they feel overwhelmed and out of control. An athlete can prevent anxiety by regulating their nervousness before it builds to performance-declining proportions, by <strong>embracing feelings of nerves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Athletes experience anxiety on three levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Physically \u2013 Physical symptoms alter an athlete\u2019s physiology and affect optimal mechanics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Physical_symptoms_include\"><\/span>Physical symptoms include:&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shallow Breathing&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tightness in Chest&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upset stomach&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nausea&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shakiness&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heart Pounding&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low Energy&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle Tightness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sweatiness&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Mentally &#8212; Mental symptoms not only affect an athlete\u2019s focus but also impact an athlete\u2019s physiology. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mental_symptoms_include\"><\/span>Mental symptoms include:&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fear of Losing or Making Mistakes&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feeling Overwhelmed&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trouble Focusing&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Worst-Case Scenario Thinking\/ Negative Thinking&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inability to Remember Game Strategy&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced Confidence&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Emotionally \u2013 Anxiety affects an athlete\u2019s ability to stay composed and poise under pressure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emotional_symptoms_include\"><\/span>Emotional symptoms include:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Agitation&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frustration&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anger&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Annoyance&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hyperactivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Irritability&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moodiness&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Many athletes mistakenly believe being nervous and being anxious are the same. However, there are four significant differences between nervousness and anxiety.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nervousness is experienced as jitteriness or excitement, while anxiety is associated with fear and excessive worry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nervousness is a mild feeling and helps sharpen an athlete\u2019s focus. Anxiety is often intense and overwhelming and interferes with an athlete\u2019s ability to focus.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nervousness slightly subsides as the competition starts while anxiety usually lasts throughout a competition.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nervousness can enhance performance. Anxiety hinders an athlete\u2019s ability to perform at their peak. Many elite athletes use nervousness to their advantage.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Sha\u2019Carri Richardson, who is preparing for the 2024 Olympics, won the Women\u2019s 100m at the 2024 Prefontaine Classic in a time of 10.83.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Richardson\u2019s time was a tenth of a second better than second place (St. Lucia\u2019s Julien Alfred) and nearly a half a second better than rival Elaine Thompson-Herah, the five-time Olympic champ and reigning 100m gold medalist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Richardson admitted she was nervous but viewed her nerves as a positive, she <strong>embraced the feelings of nerves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RICHARDSON<\/strong>: \u201cAs my coach says, use that nervousness as motivation.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Richardson was able to use her nervousness to her advantage because she paid attention to her mental game and competitive mindset.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RICHARDSON<\/strong>: \u201cI feel like my performance reflects my training as well as my mindset. This year\u2019s been humbling and I just understand no matter what\u2019s going on to always stay focused on the mission at hand.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To use nervousness to your advantage, you need to accept that nervousness is beneficial and essential for peak performance, and <strong>embrace the feeling of nerves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, you need to learn to regulate the level of nerves you experience. Emotional regulation is a critical mental skill for peak performance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Examine_how_nervousness_and_anxiety_have_impacted_past_performances\"><\/span>Examine how nervousness and anxiety have impacted past performances.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Look back at previous peak performances and notice your level of nerves and how it assisted your game. Likewise, recall past performances when anxiety caused you to fall apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Examining past performances can help you understand the difference between nervousness and anxiety and how a slight degree of nerves can enhance performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-979ef383-5bc7-43ee-b8f9-249663ca1a6c\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Sports_Psychology_Articles\"><\/span>Related Sports Psychology Articles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/pregame-nerves-facts-and-fiction\/\">Pregame Nerves Facts and Fiction<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-ease-your-childs-nerves-during-tournaments\/\">How To Ease Your Child\u2019s Nerves During Tournaments<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/pregame-nerves-where-do-they-come-from\/\">Pregame Nerves, Where Do They Come From?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/composed-athlete-small.jpg\" alt=\"The Composed Athlete Workbook &amp; Audio\" class=\"wp-image-19327\" style=\"width:158px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Composed_Athlete_Digital_Download\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/products\/the-composed-athlete-digital\" title=\"The Composed Athlete (Digital Download)\">The Composed Athlete (Digital Download)<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Composed Athlete\u201d audio and workbook program helps you gain a competitive edge by improving your composure in competition. Learn the best ways to let go of mistakes and overcome frustration and dwelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cI am a PGA Professional and wanted some ideas to help my students, but my own game has improved! I think I will shoot 69, negative thoughts have vanished, and my self-talk and confidence has improved tremendously. I will be referring my students to your website.\u201d&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>~Bill Allen, PGA Pro<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div style=\"text-align:center\" class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-button ab-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/products\/the-composed-athlete-digital\" class=\"ab-button ab-button-shape-rounded ab-button-size-medium\" style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color:#3373dc\">Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Handling Nerves as an Athlete What is the difference between nervousness and anxiety? Anxiety knocks many athletes off their game. For these athletes, anxiety starts with unchecked nervousness and slowly builds, leading up to a competition and into the warm-up. By the time the game begins, they feel overwhelmed and out of control. An athlete can prevent anxiety &#8230; <a title=\"How Athletes Can\u00a0Embrace Feeling Nervous\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-athletes-can-embrace-feeling-nervous\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How Athletes Can\u00a0Embrace Feeling Nervous\">Sport Psychology Article&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19265,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[1059,785],"class_list":["post-19263","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports-psychology-tips","tag-overcome-nerves","tag-pregame-nerves"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.6.2 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Examining past performances can help you understand the difference between nervousness and anxiety and how a slight degree of 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