In this BIT: A Toni Breidinger interview. She shares tips on how to stay calm under pressure, life hacks, and her experiences in NASCAR.
A renowned name in the world of car-driving, Toni Breidinger is one of the most followed NASCAR drivers. Embarking on her driving journey at the age of nine, Toni rapidly developed her skills and talents for six years. By the time she turned fifteen, Toni became the most winning female in the US Auto Club Series. Within a few years, Toni turned twenty-one and became a NASCAR driver. Her talents exceed racing, as Toni is also an accomplished model. In fact, her campaigns include Victoria’s Secret, Free People, GQ, Marie Clair, and more. Despite all of her outstanding success at a young age, Toni too faces high pressure situations. This is especially true in motorsport, where potential crashes are a lingering possibility. Be it in a test, interview, or simply a current season of life; we can all feel pressure on us. Below are Toni’s top tips for staying calm under pressure!
As a driver, this tip is tangible for Toni. If she feels tension in her hands (due to tension in her mind and other parts of her body), the nervousness perpetuates. However, taking a deep breath, wiggling her fingers, and relaxing her body, stimulates her mind to recognize that there is no risk at hand, therefore exiting that innate fight or flight mode that we all are naturally inclined toward. By calming herself, Toni can think clearer, and perform better. Keep this hack tucked into your backpocket! Even if you’re not a race car driver, when you feel stress or tension building up: wiggle your fingers and toes, take a deep breath, and allow your body to relax; thereafter relaxing your mind.
When we get stressed, we not only clench our jaws (tighten our fists, and feel tension throughout our bodies), we also tend to hold our breath. As per science – and Toni’s top tip – take deep breaths. Side note: one of my favorite ways to strategically improve my deep breathing is box breathing – click here to learn more. Sitting in an exam? Practice box breathing. Stuck in traffic and feeling that road rage? Practice box breathing. About to play a finals basketball game? Practice box breathing. It’s unnoticeable, quick to work, and easy to picture.
When we’re under pressure, our brain often begins to spiral, thinking about 10 different things, all at once. Not only does this impair our ability to actually perform, it also removes us from the joy that can be obtained from the present moment. Yes, race car driving is stressful, but it is also a thrilling and exciting experience! By allowing herself to enjoy the energy and excitement of the moment, Toni describes a sense of increased control within her mindset. In addition, Toni reminds herself that she has worked hard, and earned the opportunity to perform at this level of performance. We often feel stressed because we fear that we are not good enough, might fail, do poorly, or let someone (even ourselves) down. Recall that you’ve made it this far, and deserve this opportunity! You are good enough. More than good enough. You’ve passed every prerequisite class, won every tournament up to this point, or succeeded in your interview and application. Be physically present in the moment; soak it in, enjoy, and know your own worth.
We hope that these hacks from Toni Breidinger help you stay calm under pressure, bringing you a Small Bit of Happiness.
Listen to Toni’s full episode here.
*this interview has been edited for length and clarity
Find Toni here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonibreidinger/
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