Performance Science

Propranolol is the most prescribed beta blocker in the US, and it’s commonly used off-script for anxiety & stage fright symptoms by professional performers of all sorts. Here we look at what Propranolol is and why it’s being used by so many to help with their performance anxiety, as well as identifying the side-effects and downsides of the medication. Finally we look at several natural alternatives to Propranolol for those who want a natural option to help with their anxiety issues instead of using beta blockers.

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For professional performers and professions that emphasize vocal communication, the voice is an essential tool. What many experience after repeatedly pushing their voice to the extremes is either a complete loss of voice, or harsh irritation and inflammation of the throat (and therefore voice). This is a natural bodily response, but there are several things that can be done to either prevent voice loss from occurring too regularly, or remedies to help you recover faster when voice loss inevitably occurs. Here we try and hone in on the ultimate lost voice remedy.

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According to a recent survey, over 40% of Americans say they have a fear of public speaking and the only fear more common was snakes (some even listed death as less scary then public speaking)! Fear of public speaking, or the medical term glossophobia, is extremely common in humans and has primal routes in our psychology. Here we investigate if the fear of public speaking really is the number one ranked fear globally, as well as dig in to why so many experience this fear and what we can do to help overcome it.

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Beta-blockers are prescription medications typically prescribed for cardiovascular health conditions such as blood pressure, angina (chest pains) and irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), among others. Available over-the-counter under names like Propranolol, Metoprolol, Carvedilol, Acebutolol, Atenolol & Bisoprolol; beta-blockers have become extremely popular for professional and amateur performers who need to control their performance anxiety & stage fright symptoms, as beta blockers can block adrenaline effects. We look at the right dosages that are recommended for several popular beta-blocker medications when used for anxiety.

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Silexan is an extract of lavender oil created by a German pharmaceutical company. Lavender has long been used as a folk ‘anxiety cure’ so it is not surprising that recent studies are showing that extracts of lavender (Silexan) are possibly just as effective as popular anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines & SSRIs at resolving generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Here we look at how silexan works for anxiety, what (if any) the side-effects of silexan are, dosage recommendations and some potential natural alternatives.

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The beta-blocker Metoprolol is commonly used ‘off-script’ by professional performers (public speakers, musicians, singers, etc) to help overcome anxiety symptoms, and two very common questions Metoprolol users ask is ‘what is the right Metoprolol dosage for anxiety’ and ‘are there any Metoprolol side-effects’. Here we answer these questions about the beta-blocker Metoprolol as well as looking at how Metoprolol works and considering if there any valid alternatives for anxiety.

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Carvedilol is a prescription beta-blocker, normally prescribed under the brand-name Coreg to treat cardiovascular conditions like hypertension and irregular heartbeats. Many high-level performers use beta blockers like Coreg off-script to help reduce performance anxiety or stage fright before and during a big performance. We take a look at why so many performers and celebrities are using Coreg to help with their anxiety, and we determine if Carvedilol is actually a good long-term solution to stage fright. We also see how Coreg works exactly, what the side-effects are, what the recommended dosages are and even check to see if there are any natural alternatives.

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Actors, singers, musical instrument players and all sorts of high-level performers have to deal with auditions. Auditions can be nerve-wracking experiences even for veteran performers, you have to perform at your best literally on-demand and the stakes can be very high! So we looked at how you can train yourself to give ace auditions using a few simple, research-backed techniques so that you can get the opportunities you deserve in your career.

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Buck Fever can ruin your hunting experience as it’s the nervousness that hunters may experience when they have their target in sight, and it’s time to take the shot. Buck Fever is a real condition that can even cause the most experienced of hunters to miss the broadside of a deer from close range. So why do we experience buck fever? What causes it and is there a way to overcome buck fever? PerformZen investigates all of that, and more, in this article.

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Music is a powerful tool for helping deal with anxiety and for calming nerves, particularly as part of a preparation routine for big events like exam and tests, competitions, stage and music performances, etc. In this article, the PerformZen team brake down why elite performers like Lebron James use music to help them consistently perform at their best, looking into the science behind it. Then we provide several recommendations for music that has been specially developed to help with anxiety.

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Metoprolol is a prescription beta blocker, typically prescribed under the brand-name Lopressor to treat cardiovascular conditions like hypertension, as well as irregular heartbeats and similar conditions. Metoprolol is often used off-script to help high level performers reduce performance anxiety before and during a performance that usually would strike fear in even the most well-practiced individuals. We take a closer look at Metoprolol and determine if it is a suitable solution to performance anxiety, why it is said to work, what the side effects are, and if there are any natural & effective alternatives.

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