She reports: “I find that an overwhelming majority of people believe trying to calm down is the best way to cope with pre-performance anxiety.”

“I investigate an alternative strategy: reappraising anxiety as excitement. Compared to those who attempt to calm down, individuals who reappraise their anxious arousal as excitement feel more excited and perform better.”

Brooks encourages sufferers to repeat affirming mantras about being excited to themselves out loud in a bid to convince their minds that the upcoming situation is positive.

However, it’s worth noting that this method will only work if you’re feeling anxious about actively doing something that uses a lot of energy.

The research was conducted specifically into performance anxiety, meaning that it wouldn’t be suited to beating night-time anxiety for example, where you do need to relax.

If you suffer from anxiety, experts advise that you visit you GP to explore the number of treatments available.

You can find out more information – including a series of approved self-care tips – on the Mind website.

Images: iStock / Netflix

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