Performance Anxiety

<p>Research shows that a moderate level of fear or anxiety before a task actually improves performance. But when it goes beyond that, performance suffers.</p> <p>Being afraid of an exam or suffering from anxiety is completely normal. But if that fear overwhelms you and makes you unwell, then it becomes a matter of concern.</p> <p>"What questions will come in the exam? Will I be able to do it? What will everyone think if I do badly? My parents have such high hopes for me; I'll ruin everyone's reputation" — these questions give rise to one negative thought after another, making the person restless and short of breath. It is not only exams: performance anxiety can arise with any task, such as work assigned by a boss at the office, or a presentation.</p> <p>Research shows that in families where parents place excessive expectations on their children, this kind of anxiety develops in the child and later appears with any task.</p> <p>Breathing relaxation works well to relieve anxiety. By working on your own negative thoughts, it is possible to be free of this anxiety quite quickly. For a full recovery, psychotherapy and, where needed, medication work quite well.</p>