By Rafael Moraes Gaino
Hey, Yellow Jackets, how are you guys today? I’m here to talk a little about how to control your emotions during important events, and how this can help you. For students and athletes, managing feelings matters a lot. Pressure can change how well you do in school and in sports. Right before a test or a match, it is common to feel uneasy, worried, or scared. That fear is normal. Still, learning to handle it can help you focus and do your best.
One way to stay calm before a test is to start early. If you study the night before, stress often grows. You may also feel less sure of yourself. A simple routine can help. Review the notes little by little over a few days. This can make the material feel more familiar. Also, sleep is important. Eat something solid. Try not to loop on the final score or the outcome. Instead of telling yourself, “I will not mess up,” switch to a clearer thought. Say, “I worked for this. I will try hard.”
This idea also shows up in sports like soccer, football, and basketball. In the middle of a match, players may feel shaky after a bad call, a missed chance, or harsh words from others. When that happens, the key is to move on to what comes next, not to replay the last error. One way to steady yourself is to take a slow breath, keep a calm mindset, and talk with your teammates. For instance, a soccer goalkeeper cannot stay stuck on a goal they gave up. They have to let it go and focus on the next shot.
Staying in control of your emotions does not mean you get rid of nerves. It means you learn how to work with that energy instead of fighting it. For many athletes and students, pressure can actually help. It can push you forward and keep you motivated. Once you practice being steady, paying attention to what is happening right now, and believing in the work you already did, you tend to show up better in class and in sports.