Real world social interactions with lots of people can feel, let’s face it, like a bit of a performance.

And if you follow that logic then it will help you to prepare like a performer.

And what do performers do before performance? They get physical. It can be anything: boogie around the house to music, put a great song on and sing along, do some yoga, go for a run. Why? Because anything that gets you into your body, gets you out of your head. When you’re in your body you’re not thinking mean thoughts to yourself. You’ll notice after warming up like an actor that when you get into the room, you’re not anxious, you’re not overthinking, you’re present to what’s unfolding moment by moment.

So if you’re dreading that office Christmas party warm up and take the advice of the inimitable Alan Cumming he once shared with me. Slow down, don’t feel like you have to talk ten to the dozen, just listen – Watch here.