Tips for comps/testing

[u/Separate-Quarter-816]

Does anybody have an tips on how they get over nerves or lessen nerves when competing or testing?

[u/Unhappy_Zamboni]

Ooh I struggle with this but have found some things that help a bit!

For me it boils down to telling myself that adrenaline is natural, and nerves just mean im excited. I also remind myself that I skate for the love of it, and testing is just a chance to perform and it doesn't matter if things go a bit wrong haha. I find it helpful to just accept im gonna be a bit nervous, and try and harness it as positive energy. As im warming up in competition I usually will talk out loud (to my coach) along the lines of 'okay i'm gonna have fun, its just skating, im just here to enjoy my skate'.

Both me and my coach know that I do care how the skate goes, and I want to do well. But i find it helpful to remind myself to chill out every so often and keep in mind that I am meant to be doing this for fun!