#25 For The Anxious Performer: Nervous System Regulation with Emily Kennedy Barnes

Why does the voice tighten just when we need it most? In this episode, we sit down with Mind-Body Neuroscientist and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner Emily Kennedy-Barnes to decode the physiological override that happens on stage.   Emily offers practical exercises beyond basic stress management to explore how neuroscience and somatic experiencing can transform your relationship with your instrument. Emily explains that stage anxiety is a survival response that can bypass your technical training. Instead of traditional poses, we explore somatic yoga as a tool for interoception—learning to understand the signals your body sends to your brain.   Whether you’re a semi-professional or a seasoned pro, this conversation offers a valuable insight into embodiment and nervous system regulation. Try these subtle, practical exercises backstage or in the wings before show to ensure your biology works with you rather than against you.   Key Topics Nervous system and performance Somatic experiencing and trauma release Neuroscience and movement connection   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Somatic Practices 02:55 Understanding Somatic Experiencing and Yoga 06:33 The Body-Mind Connection Explained 08:58 The Impact of Past Experiences on Performance 10:33 Stage Nerves on a Biological Level 14:32 Techniques to Manage Performance Anxiety 19:14 Practical Exercises for Nervous System Regulation 27:36 Exploring the Lymphatic System and Circulation 37:28 Breathwork for Singing with Unregulated Nervous System 41:08 How to Be a More Grounded Performer 47:33 Recovery Strategies After Performances 52:18 Get In Touch with Emily   Mentions: Emily Kennedy-Barnes Instagram - www.instagram.com/somaticyogatherapist/ Emily’s Website: www.somaticyogatherapist.co.uk Emily’s Email - [email protected] The Tree of Life Centre, Brighton - https://www.tolcentre.com/   Extra Info on today's Guest: Emily has a paper currently in press at BJPsych Open -a feasibility randomised controlled trial of somatic yoga therapy for functional neurological disorder, conducted within the NEUROADS Lab at King’s College London. - The first study of its kind!   About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.   Contact Method [email protected] www.gracehancockmusic.com www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician