Reduce Stress & Anxiety
Most people suffer from some form of performance anxiety, the panicky physiological response that prevents a competent person from demonstrating their skills successfully. In sports, this is often referred to as choking.
The primary sources of this anxiety can be varied: a fear of failure, a constructed sense of ineptitude, shame at being a “show-off” or “know-it-all&rdquo, an apprehension of judgment or reprisals from peers and strangers, or simply embarrassment at having one’s character exposed publicly. In some cases, coping with this stress requires professional assistance.
Ordinarily, however, there are fairly straight-forward techniques for overcoming the physical and psychological responses induced by public performance. Since presenting yourself as confident and competent are paramount during your medical school interview, conquering your anxiety will allow your true self to shine through. Review and put into practice these concepts for reducing stress:
- Desensitization — During interviews and public speaking, your body feels threatened by the focused attention of others, sensing there may be either emotional or physical danger. The only cure for such discomfort is through desensitization. If you repeatedly put yourself in situations where the attention of others meets with no real danger, eventually, your body stops sending the signal that you are being threatened, thus allowing you to relax. Informational and Mock Interviews are a great way to desensitize yourself to these sometimes irrational fears.
- Be knowledgeable — Confidence comes most easily when the topic is one the speaker knows well, so be informed about medical professions, the problems posed by common ethical dilemmas for students and professionals, and research the academic program to which you are applying.
- Focused Visualization — Repeatedly inundate yourself with the visions of a future after the interview, having aced it and feeling relieved and successful. Picture a congratulatory celebration after your acceptance to school. Allow yourself to truly believe what is possible.
- Ritualized Relaxation — The activities that allow you to relax may differ from someone else. Attempt to identify activities that put you at ease (physical exercise, massage, listening to calming music, progressive muscle relaxation, etc.). Engage in these activities prior to your interview and attempt to keep your mind in that relaxed state while preparing and traveling to your interview.
