I’m a dating expert – my 10 second rule can calm your pre-date nerves
IT’S normal to feel nervous or stressed before going on a date as you hope to make a good impression.
But one dating expert has revealed that she’s got the perfect trick to calm the pre-date nerves and jitters.
Anastasiya Pochotna, a pro from Flirtini, told how her ten-second rule can calm you down if your stress levels start to rise.
She explains that taking ten seconds to focus on something completely different to your date can calm your mind.
It does so by interrupting your thoughts and giving you time to regain your composure.
Not only does the trick help quench your nerves, but it can also leave you feeling more confident.
Anastasiya says: “When faced with nervous thoughts, use the 10-second rule — take a brief moment to focus on something entirely unrelated to your dating life.
“You could recite a poem, count backwards from 100, or visualize yourself on a sunny beach.
“It redirects your mind and disrupts anxious thoughts, helping you to regain your composure whenever your stress levels start to rise.”
However, if this doesn’t work, then Anastasiya also has six other top tips that can help if nerves kick in.
She advises that people should avoid surgery foods and maybe pick up a bag of nuts instead.
She added: “Sugary foods can lead to energy crashes and negatively affect your mood, so you’re best sticking to snacks that won’t raise your blood sugar too quickly.
“Nuts are a good choice — they’re packed full of magnesium, which helps with efficient energy production, calms our nervous system, and produces the happy hormone, serotonin.
“A couple of squares of dark chocolate can also work wonders. As well as magnesium, it also contains natural mind-boosters such as phenylethylamine.”
Cutting your coffee intake is another way to go as she explained: “Your body is already full of adrenaline, and caffeine will only increase your jitters. Instead, sip on water or non-caffeinated tea, such as peppermint or chamomile, to calm your nerves without causing your heart to race.
“Staying hydrated can also stave off bad breath — every singleton’s worst nightmare.
“If you don’t drink plenty of water throughout the day, the microbes in your mouth will feed on food particles and release odour-causing by-products (which won’t make a great first impression).”
Something else that Anastasiya swears by is making sure you wear clothes that leave you feeling confident.
She continued: “Research shows that the clothes we wear can affect our confidence, so putting on an outfit that you associate with happy memories or successful experiences might be all you need to stay positive.
“But try it on before date night to avoid any last-minute surprises or wardrobe malfunctions that will cause unnecessary stress, dampening the mood on the big day.
Not only can your clothes leave you feeling confident, but your posture and your stance can, too.
Anastasiya says: “Before heading to your date, spend a few minutes standing tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, shoulders back, and chin up.
“It’s a power stance, and while it might sound like nonsense, it does actually work.
“Research shows that holding this posture positively impacts hormone levels.
“The benefits? An improved mindset, reduced stress, and greater self-assurance.
“Essentially, if your body strikes a confident pose, your mind will follow its lead.”
You can also lean on your loved ones for a little confidence boost before heading out on a date.
Anastasiya explains: “If you’re worried about forgetting your words once your date is in front of you, get in some last-minute practice before you head out.
“Some interaction — whether a quick call with a friend or a friendly chat with your neighbour — can improve your mood and ease you into an evening of socialization, helping you to forget all about the pre-date nerves.”