We've all experienced nerves, whether it was before a public speaking event, leading up to a performance on stage or getting ready to compete in a competition. The symptoms are very real, ranging from sweaty palms to full blown nausea. The science behind the physiological response is fascinating. In a condensed version, the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which forms part of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is responsible for our "fight or flight" response to acute stress. The ANS is comprised of the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous system. The former will signal the adrenal glands to release the hormones adrenaline and cortisol when acute external stressors are sensed. This is a rapid process, and will increase the heart rate as well as the respiration rate, cause our blood vessels to dilate and alter the digestive process to rapidly access glucose reserves in order for us to out-run or fight that lion. Fortunately for us, there are few lions to comp...