anxiety while playing poker

[Splossy]

Using booze to control anxiety in any form isn't usually a great long term plan for obvious reasons. Having said that, a glass or two whilst playing isn't so bad.

I think many people feel "anxiety" ie they get the increased heart rate and tension in a close situation for a big pot when your stack needs help. I think that's normal. If you rename it excitement it might feel different - sounds glib but it's true. I've come to the conclusion that over-excitement (it's the the new anxiety baby!) during average play is down to being too results oriented and willing fate, which is kind of the first thing anyway. If you find yourself willing no-one to call your semi bluff then you need to stop. either the raise was a good idea in that situation or it wasn't. You can't control the outcome, only the moves. Be happy with the moves not the outcomes. You hear pro players say this a lot - "I got bust out but I'm happy with my play. I called with the better hand".

In short think about what you are thinking about and try to either change it or reframe it. Don't treat the feelings as Anxiety as if it's some force outside of your control or that you are An Anxious Person.

One practical tip for stopping racing heart is to take a moderabig breath in, hold it and use your diaphragm to "force it into your heart/stomach area". Supposedly acts on the vagus nerve (maybe renamed as the Vegas nerve in this case).