There's a thin line between emotions being regarded as excitement and 'nerves', and we each have our own interpretations and labels for these feelings. Some people love adrenaline rushes, and nerves may be what they're getting, and these people don't avoid their kicks.
Sometimes, potentially being incredibly excited, could lead someone to determine that they're just really nervous, fearful etc, when it's just probably a blood supply pumped full of adrenaline etc, and probably a somewhat over-active mind.
I do get excited, potentially nervous before a first meet, depending on what's going on. I've had recent exams, and my stress levels were quite high, and I noted that of the few meets I had around that time that I edged more towards feeling nervous/worried. I think the sum total of our inner concerns stack up, so that only a small increment can end up in suddenly feeling nervous, even though the actual incident isn't causing most of it.
Best approach is to be organised beforehand, so that there are limited/no last minute panics, and to ensure that you do all you can relax. As you've paced yourself, not having to cram stuff to get ready etc, then you should have the time to do breathing exercises, or whatever else, in order to more deeply relax.
If you do things like yoga, which I love, or meditation, then you'll develop the ease of entering deeper relaxation states more easily and quickly, when you need to. These become skills, part of your behavioural repertoire, like all other human behaviours, and you can get unconscious mastery even easier, potentially even relaxing via unconsciously kicked in processes, before you've even thought of needing to do something consciously. That was probably one loooong sentence, but you'll probably get my drift.
Practice relaxation when you don't really need to, and you'll find it a good set of tools to use when you do.
It's worth remembering that whoever you're meeting is likely somewhat excited/nervous too, you'll not be the only one. When you meet, do something to dissipate any tension, so that you can quickly move onto the more intense play.
Good luck! |
