Injury Lawyer Explains How To Calm Your Court Nerves

Right before a court appearance, nerves can become a major factor. The stomach is tied in knots. The hands are sweaty and the imagination takes over. Images of bungling testimony and looking like a complete fool abound. However, amid the traditional court preparation, the injury lawyer may suggest a few other steps that can be taken to calm the nerves. These include exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercising, aromatherapy, and eating carbohydrates.

Exercise

Exercising has long been known for its ability to reduce stress. When nerves kick into gear our body is pumping with adrenaline, which produces a flight or fight response. To combat this, an injury lawyer might suggest a little exercise. Obviously, jumping jacks in the courtroom would not be a good idea, but court preparation could include a walk around the city block. Don't have time to leave the courthouse? Try pacing up and down the hall or take the stairs instead of the elevator on the way into court.

Meditation

Images of the court appearance turning into a disaster can multiply a bad case of nerves. If this is the case, an injury lawyer might suggest practicing meditation as a part of the court preparation. Try squeezing the webbing between the thumb and finger. This is known as a calming acupuncture point. Combine this with a mantra, a word or phrase that is repeated and the nerves will begin to melt away. Also use this time to visualize a positive outcome.

Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises are often considered to be a part of meditation, but it has benefits of its own. For these reasons, an injury lawyer might suggest practicing these both before the court appearance and during the time in court. Try taking three deep breaths. Hold each before expelling. This will lower blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. All of which can increase nervousness if left unchecked. It will also increase the blood flow to the brain, which results in an increase in alertness.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy might seem a bit unconventional, but it has a proven calming effect. Traditionally, essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, dandelion, and dill can be combined to calm the nerves. A scent associated with a happy memory may also do the trick. Dilute these with alcohol or water, and then apply them to the pressure points much like perfume. However, do be careful not to overdo it. Strong scents wafting through the courthouse might be frowned upon.

Carbohydrates

Chocolate! Believe it or not, an injury lawyer might suggest a mini-chocolate bar right before the court appearance. Here's why. Carbohydrates cause the release of a neurotransmitter in the brain called serotonin. Serotonin has a calming effect and makes a person feel "happy." However, that's not an excuse to eat a whole bag of candy as a sugar rush will only make a person feel jittery. In fact, complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat pasta or oatmeal, will have longer lasting effects.

It's true that the best way to calm the nerves before a court appearance is good old fashioned practice of the testimony. However, there are other ways that might be necessary if a case of nerves takes over. Try exercising or meditation with deep breathing. If that doesn't do the trick a little aromatherapy or a dab of chocolate might just hit the spot. Taming those nerves will not only make you feel better, but it will improve your testimony.