Bananas and Stage Fright
Posted by isaytomatoes on Oct 25, 2009 · Member since Jun 2009 · 209 posts
No idea what forum to put this in, but DS's saxophone teacher suggested he eat a banana an hour before his All State audition to control nervous shaking. I read up on bananas and see that they indeed can have some good effects on heart and nervous system, but I was skeptical that the effect would be pronounced.
DS ate a banana at bedtime, one for breakfast, and 2 an hour before his first audition. He didn't shake! (last year he did). He got a call back and ate his last banana pretty close to the performance. He said he shook a little toward the end.
What do you make of this? Placebo effect or for real. Anyone ever try this?
I've even heard of it. Maybe it is partly mental?? Either way... good for DS!
Potassium and mangnesium = muscle relaxants. Just enough in a natural, slowly-assimilated form to take the edge off.
How I know this= chronic basket case. ;D
This is wild--I wish someone had told me about this years ago, because I frequently get so anxious I shake. (I'm a teacher, and the first day of class I shake all morning until I'm actually up in front of the class--I hate it).
Why is this not better known?
The only sad thing is that DS only made second alternate in the competition, but from now on, bananas will be his secret weapon. ;)b
Wow, I wish I had thought of/heard of this in college. I was a music major and the doctor put me on beta blockers for my nerves. (now i think "yikes!" then i just didn't think....)
k i'm officially eating bananas before my speeches!!!
k i'm officially eating bananas before my speeches!!!
this.
I have on on Wednesday, so thanks for the info!
Awesome information! Who'da thunk it?
That's so cool! Bananas are awesome :D
My swim coach always made us eat a banana or two a day when we were competeing. It also helps prevent muscle cramps.
You can of course take magnesium and potassium supplements, but with bananas you get other advantages such as fibre and vitamins, and besides they're natural and yummy. Lentils are a good source too, but then you have the toot factor and subsequent smell to deal with! :D
I'd like to hear whether or not they helped those of you using bananas for speeches this week.
Ahhh, and yet another reason to let my son eat all the bananas he wants >:D. Makes my life a little easier!!!
Can you get immune to it? I eat bananas all the time to the effects may not work on me since I (and my son) eat probably close to a dozen bananas a week...NO JOKE! I shop a lot on the the "discount produce" rack.
i'm too scared to just do the banana thing alone... i take medicine as well... i wouldn't want to have a panic attack but maybe it will help so i don't have to take as much?
Yes, if you feel the need for the meds, take them. But the bananas will help. And they're good!
Apparently, they also contain tryptophan. I've been told to eat them before bed.
I have TWO.. yes, count 'em, TWO speeches tomorrow.
One is for Public Speaking (I'm proving ghosts exist), and one for Spanish (My future vacation plans (to India) )
One is five minutes long and the other, two.
Would it be weird to bring a banana and just eat it in class right before the speech? ahaha I think so.
I'll just eat one or two for breakfast and hope the effects last!
I think you need to eat them maybe an hour before the nerve-wracking event.
How did those of you giving speeches fare with the banana treatment?