Ever feel overwhelmed by the jitters before heading out on a first date? Consider these five simple tips for keeping calm and showing off your best self when you’re on the way to meet someone new.
1. Find your breath. Checking in with the rhythm of your inhale and exhale is probably the simplest and most effective way to slow down your mind and body, and rid yourself of unwanted or unhelpful nerves.
2. Visualize the desired outcome. Championship-winning sports teams are known for picturing their team winning the game before they go out on the court. Similarly, you can feel better heading into a date if you picture yourself being the most confident, charming version of yourself. Our thoughts have a mysterious way of becoming our reality!
3. Fist n’ Flex. Related to a popular technique called progressive muscle relaxation, you can relax your body quickly by clenching your hands into a tight fist for five seconds, breathing, and then allowing your fingers to flex out naturally. Even after just a few rounds of fisting your hands and releasing, your physical stress level should decrease noticeably.
4. Think about your greatest strengths. There is an undeniable link between our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. When you’re nervous before a date, try to use some “mental discipline” and force yourself to think positive things about yourself…particularly focusing on a few positive attributes you’re confident you possess. You should quickly notice this mental work will have a calm, grounding effect on your feelings.
5. Put on your favorite playlist. Research shows that listening to music can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety. Listening to some of your favorite tunes on your way to the date will help you feel mellow, confident, and like yourself!
Do you have your own favorite pre-date relaxation technique? Share below in the comments section what works for you!
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1 comment
I love the fist n’ flex technique and find that it works in so many different scenarios. Sometimes it can even be helpful when you’re feeling angry, rather than stressed, to calm down before engaging with the person/situation that is creating the anger for you.
I think people often feel stuck when trying to think about their greatest strength. Something I have found helpful in trying to come up with one is to visualize myself in a very specific scenario where I feel confident (who are you with, where are you located, what are you doing, etc). Once you can picture the scene, you may be able to better asses what your strengths are in that scenario, and then apply those same strengths to your date!