Nerves, while often associated with negative feelings like anxiety, actually serve a crucial and beneficial purpose. They act as a powerful catalyst for improved performance and heightened awareness.
The Benefits of Nerves
Feeling nervous, or experiencing the physiological responses associated with nervousness, isn't inherently bad. In fact, it can be incredibly advantageous:
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Enhanced Performance: As stated in one source, nerves can "level up your performance."1 The heightened state of alertness and focus triggered by nervousness can lead to improved concentration and a more vibrant performance, especially in situations requiring peak performance like presentations or competitions. A similar point is made by another source, which highlights that nervousness, stemming from a lack of confidence, pushes individuals to work harder and study more diligently.3
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Increased Alertness and Focus: Nerves are your body's way of preparing you for a challenge. The release of adrenaline and other stress hormones sharpens your senses, making you more aware of your surroundings and increasing your focus on the task at hand.4 This is a positive adaptive response that helps keep us alert to potential danger.5
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Motivation and Drive: The feeling of nervousness can be a powerful motivator. The discomfort associated with anxiety can push you to take action, to prepare better, and to strive for excellence.3 This can be seen as a type of "good stress" that drives improvement.4
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Informative Feedback: Anxiety can signal that something important is at stake, prompting reflection on preparation and strategies for handling the situation better in the future. 4
It's important to differentiate between healthy nervousness and debilitating anxiety. While a bit of pre-performance anxiety can be beneficial, excessive or overwhelming anxiety requires professional help. Managing stress through techniques like exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep can help regulate stress hormones and mitigate negative effects.2
References:
[1] "It helps make your brain sharp, it helps make your body sharp, and it levels up your performance." - Source: (provided in the prompt, date unavailable)
[2] Nemours KidsHealth. "5 Ways to Beat Pre-performance Nerves (for Teens)." https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/nerves.html
[3] Shamani, Raj. "Being Nervous Is Good: 3 Reasons Why." Medium, 16 May 2023, https://rajshamani.medium.com/being-nervous-is-good-3-reasons-why-1beb875b67c9
[4] "The Benefits of Anxiety and Nervousness." Verywell Mind, 2 May 2024, https://www.verywellmind.com/benefits-of-anxiety-2584134
[5] "Amy Cuddy: Harvard psychologist says being nervous can make you more successful." The Independent, 4 Feb 2016, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/amy-cuddy-harvard-psychologist-says-being-nervous-can-make-you-more-successful-a6853336.html
