Which practice is suggested to help reduce anxiety before performing?

Visualizing a successful outcome is a practice that helps reduce anxiety before performing because it encourages a positive mental state and boosts confidence. By imagining oneself performing well, a musician can reinforce feelings of capability and success, which can neutralize fear and self-doubt. This mental rehearsal allows the performer to create a detailed mental image of both the performance and how they will feel during and after it, promoting a constructive mindset.

Engaging in visualization activates the same neural pathways as actual practice, making the performer feel more familiar and comfortable with the experience. This technique can also help to reduce stress by shifting focus away from potential anxiety-inducing thoughts and instead concentrating on the positives associated with success. Thus, visualizing a successful outcome is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance a performer's emotional state and overall performance readiness.