The website is live, adverts are up around town and I'm finding myself networking which is a new experience!?
Genuinely though, after a difficult year and a long time studying this truly is both nerve-racking and exciting so I am extremely grateful to supportive friends, family and teachers.
Which leads me onto a documentary, on bbc iplayer recently, about stress management. One way of combating nerves is to turn them into excitement - it's the same physical response as excitement only our heads get in the way and turn our responses into panic and fear. So tell yourself you are excited!
I've been telling my exam students to do the same. Be excited about the exam! Also, to fake it until they become it: stand in a confident pose for 2 minutes as it tricks the mind into feeling confident and successful already. Winners always strike a big open pose so do that and it tells the brain that that's how you're feeling, as opposed to knotting yourself literally up into a nervous wreck. (Some of my students have reported back on doing this technique before interviews - in toilet cubicles not in the reception area which would be hilarious but unsuccessful!)
Laugh. When we go into fight or flight mode our body responds to danger. The primitive instinct to run away from saber tooth tigers etc kicks in - even now when the dangers are less hairy and toothy. We only laugh once we're home safe again. So trick your brain that you're already safe: find something to laugh about. Anything. Just laugh.
Sooo...starting this new venture I am excited, I'm laughing and I'm standing in a superman pose all the way! :)
How do I plan to use these blog posts?
I'm thinking this will be a good place for sharing ideas, tips, knowledge and recommendations as I have done above. Feel free to tag, like, share, ignore - the choice is yours. I'm currently a teacher by trade and so sharing knowledge is a natural part of what I do and who I am. It also means I'm used to people not always paying attention so I won't be offended! :D And I never claim to have all the answers. Just a willingness to learn about this area of study and then share it in case it's of direct use to others.
Based on this blog, check out:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p04yy2n4/the-truth-about-12-stress
https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are
Best wishes,
Debbie