Hey everyone, I wanted to share something I recently learn't about myself (even though I’m sure people have mentioned it to me before, it just clicked for me now 😅). Back in school, I was always the kid who did homework early, and the same went for speeches—especially after my first speaking fail (so my speaking fear was definitely learned). My issue wasn’t a lack of confidence in my content; by the time my talk came around, I knew it inside out. But I’d obsess over it so much in the weeks leading up that I’d be overwhelmed with emotion and anxiety. On the day, I’d either shake uncontrollably, go red or just break down in tears. For the past 8 years since I left high school, I’ve had similar anxiety in my personal/work life, not just with speeches. Recently, I learned that to relieve my anxiety, it’s not just about exercising as people often suggest, but specifically about getting my heart rate up. It wasn’t enough to just walk at an easy pace—I needed to run, play a sport, or do an online dance class. It only worked if I really got my heart rate up. I think if I had done that before my talks, it would have helped me release all that emotional energy. I hope this tip about getting your heart rate up might help you 🙏