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Aug 9, 2024 · Nervousness is normal when we find ourselves in certain situations, like taking an exam. If you feel you are experiencing nervousness that is outside the range of what is typical, talk to your healthcare provider.
- Overview
- Why do we feel nervous?
- How is nervousness different from an anxiety disorder?
- What you can do to overcome nervousness
- The bottom line
You may be able to relieve nervousness with relaxation techniques or by using positive self-talk, among other tips.
Everyone experiences nervousness at one time or another. It feels like a combination of anxiety, dread, and excitement all at once. Your palms may get sweaty, your heart rate may increase, and you may feel that fluttery nervous stomach feeling.
Nervousness is a common feeling brought on by your body’s stress response. This involves series of hormonal and physiological responses that help prepare you to handle a perceived or imagined threat.
Your body prepares to fight or flee a threat by boosting adrenaline production. Almost instantly, your heart begins to beat faster, your blood pressure rises, and your breathing quickens, increasing your alertness and energy.
Nervousness is a natural response to a stressful event. It’s temporary and resolves once the stress has passed. It can be controlled, even if you’re someone who is more prone to nervous feelings.
While nervousness is a common symptom of anxiety disorders, they’re not the same thing.
Anxiety disorders are psychiatric disorders that develop from a number of complex factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life events. Anxiety disorders are long-lasting and uncontrollable without treatment.
People with an anxiety disorder often experience severe feelings of nervousness or worry. These feelings can come on frequently and without an obvious stressor.
People may also experience a number of pronounced physical and mental symptoms that impact their ability to function.
Symptoms of anxiety disorders
Don’t be afraid of nervousness
In an uncomfortable situation, remind yourself that nervousness is normal, and it can even be helpful. Most of us feel this way when presented with new challenges and opportunities. Ultimately, these experiences help us grow. Nervousness is your body’s way of preparing you for what’s coming, which is usually something that’s outside your comfort zone. Letting go of your fear and accepting that it’s a completely natural experience can help keep your nerves in check.
Be prepared
You can’t always predict or plan for everything that life throws your way. However, there are some work and social situations that you can prepare for in advance. These include: •practicing for a scheduled work presentation or meeting •having a friend or loved one accompany you to an event or appointment •allowing extra time to get ready for work, dates, or other social events
Get into a positive headspace
A lack of confidence or worrying that you’ll mess up are often to blame for nervousness. When you begin to doubt your abilities, find ways to get yourself into a more positive frame of mind. To do this, use positive self-talk or envision your desired outcome. Putting on an uplifting song or movie can also work wonders.
Nervousness is a perfectly natural response to a new experience or a situation that’s outside of your comfort zone. While uncomfortable, the feeling is only temporary, and you’ll feel better once the cause of your nervousness is over.
You can work to overcome your nervousness with some simple relaxation exercises or preparing in advance for situations that can take you out of your comfort zone.
- Adrienne Santos-Longhurst
Mar 29, 2023 · So how do you know if the nervousness you're feeling is normal or actually an anxiety disorder? This article explores the differences between being nervous vs. anxious and offers tips for how to manage both.
- 1 min
Jun 15, 2022 · The main difference between anxiety and nervousness is the intensity and duration of the symptoms. Anxiety is a mental health condition while anxiousness is a temporary emotional response.
Aug 9, 2023 · There's no definitive border between anxiety and nervousness. They exist on a spectrum, and it's normal to experience both in response to different situations. It is important to recognize these feelings for what they are and understand the strategies available to manage them.
May 4, 2018 · Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).
Nervousness is the arousal in our bodies that gets triggered by situations that may be threatening to us. It feels like our whole bodies are on alert. We are more aware of our surroundings, of our senses, of our pulse in our temples, necks, or chests.
