10 Unusual But Effective Ways To Relax Before Auditions

Actors ask me all the time… “how do I calm my nerves before an audition?”

This is, by far, the number one question I get on a daily basis. And I’m not surprised.

Auditions are stressful! Putting yourself in front of a casting director or creative team to be judged on your appearance, your talent, your personality… can be exhausting. 

All actors deal with audition anxiety. Some just handle their nerves better than others.

Don’t let your nerves get the better of you. Here are 10 unusual but effective ways to relax before auditions.

1. Try acupressure.

Not to be confused with acupuncture, acupressure can reduce stress and anxiety by stimulating the body’s natural healing process.

Try it!

Place your right thumb or forefinger between your eyebrows. Apply pressure in a circular motion on this point for 5 to 10 minutes. 

You can also use your fingers to find the two divots where your neck muscles attach to your skull. Press firmly for 15 seconds to relieve neck tension.

2. Eat dark chocolate.

High quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa and above) contains several ingredients that aid relaxation. Flavonoids dilate blood vessels helping to reduce blood pressure, while tryptophan (an amino acid) increases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood.

3. Repeat a mantra.

“My audition will go great.” Choose a positive phrase about your audition and repeat it silently to yourself as you practice a breathing exercise. Take long, slow, deep breaths and try to calm your mind.

Focus on your affirmation and say it in your head over and over. Flood your brain with positive thoughts. Re-wiring the brain in this way can bring about a long-term change in your outlook so you feel happier, more confident and relaxed.

4. Smell an orange.

Did you know the smell of citrus fruit can have an amazing calming effect? Research from the U.S. National Library of Medicine shows that lemon and sweet orange oil, among other citrus scents, have a positive effect on human physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. 

5. Close Your Eyes

Most of your sensory stimulation comes in through the eyes. Shut them every now and then to give your brain a much-needed break.

6. Chew gum

Chewing gum not only gives you fresh breath, it also reduces anxiety and stress.

The saliva and an increase in blood flow can calm your mind, allowing you to relax.

7. Clean your room.

Tidy house, tidy mind.

Clutter bombards us with excessive stimuli and constantly tells our brains that our work is never done. This makes it more difficult to relax, both physically and mentally.

To remedy this, spend time tidying up your room.You will feel productive, efficient and relaxed.

8. Give yourself a hug.

Hugging and cuddling with a loved one, or even a pet, is proven to reduce stress and anxiety. But did you know that your body releases these same stress-relieving hormones when you hug yourself too? Wrapping your arms around your body for just a minute can significantly relieve your nerves.

9. Brush your hair.

When you’re nervous, it helps to have a small task to do - something that doesn’t require too much thinking.

Brush your hair, knit, doodle, pet your dog, or do anything involving repetitive motion. Repeating small movements helps to relax the body as it adapts into a sort of comforting routine.

10. Help yourself to green tea or honey!

Green tea gives you the benefits of L-Theanine, a chemical that can help reduce the body’s stress responses. Plus just staring at a mug of the green liquid on your desk might calm you, too, thanks to the earthy color’s ability to soothe!

Honey from bees can help relieve anxiety, fight off depression, and even protect the brain. Drizzle honey in your tea, coffee, yogurt, or just go straight for the jar with a spoon.

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