Dealing with Nerves

So, it's game day. Or maybe today is the day that you are trying out for a new travel soccer team or your high school team. Regardless of the event, it's natural for most of us to get "nerves" from time to time out on the soccer field. "Nerves" usually just refer to being nervous before the event, and
can range from feeling jittery and jumpy to having actual nausea. There's nothing wrong with having nerves before a game-- in fact, the excitement can help out on the field. At least it's better than feeling tired out there on the big day!

Getting nerves is a demonstration of the connection between the body and mind. When your mind
is working overtime, thinking about the big day ahead, your body may begin to show some of the effects of your mental state, leaving you super-charged. Of course, if your physcial feelings take over and leave you unable to perform at your top level, you may have to help "convince" your body that it's time to calm down.

Most teachers and coaches who have worked with kids and the "nerves" suggest some downtime before the game or event to help bring on a calmer state. A good way to prevent your anxiety is to prepare before the event. Make sure you get a good night's sleep before the game and that you have been eating healthy, nutritious meals for about a week prior to the event. A lot of sugar can be hard on your body and leave it more prone to "ups and downs." At the game, if you feel the nerves coming on, try sitting by yourself for a little bit, closing your eyes, and thinking about something comforting, like your friends or even a favorite pet. Taking your mind off the upcoming game even for just a few minutes can be very helpful. Try taking a few deep breaths and drinking some water, and then rejoin your teammates for the pre-game warmup.

Other tips are to talk about any fears you have with a parent or trusted adult. Explain that you always have feelings of nervousness before a game. Getting your feelings "out" from inside can help the nerves a great deal. Also, be careful to "block" any really negative thoughts, like "I'm going to mess up today." These types of thoughts are unhelpful and don't do nayone any good. If you keep thinking you're going to play badly, there is no room for positive thoughts. Everyone makes mistakes-- this is a part of life. Accept any bad things that might happen, and then start thinking about all of the good things that you could do. You'll have defeated the nerves in no time!

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