Emergency Procedures for Performance Anxiety

What to do when you get that sudden rush

1  immediate exhale

blow out all or most of your air in one swift motion, through the mouth

2  breath hold - at empty/near empty

hold 5 to 30 seconds - or more - depending on comfort level and how much time you have  [mouth closed with tongue forward and gently pressing against the entire roof of the mouth]

3  breathe in through the nose, to only half capacity

4  continue slow nose breathing,  until you take your first playing breath

feel the air move softly through your nose  [like smelling a rose] stay in the lower half of your breathing capacity 

5  repeat as needed   [from step 1 or step 2]

Empty breath holds and slow breathing cause CO2 levels to increase, serving to lessen the physical symptoms of performance anxiety. 

Carbon dioxide is a vasodilator and helps the body absorb oxygen more efficiently      

CO2 = relaxed                               O2 = jacked  [think combustable]

Experiment and practice with this concept with your instrument, and in daily life [breath with higher CO2 content produces a nicer sound]

Nose-breathe and keep mouth closed as much as possible before performing