In a recent interview on 'Terevisioon,' psychologist Ülli Kukumägi emphasized the importance of positive visualization in combating performance anxiety. According to Kukumägi, adults often dwell on negative assumptions about their upcoming performances, which leads to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Instead, she advocates for creating a mental image of success as it can significantly reduce anxiety levels, since the brain does not distinguish between imagined scenarios and reality.

Kukumägi used a young boy named Teodor, who confidently performed at the Republic Day concert, as an example of how children, lacking prior negative experiences, face public speaking without fear. She highlighted that the root of anxiety often stems from negative predictions we create in our minds about what could go wrong, rather than from any real reaction to performance situations. By reshaping these mental images, individuals can approach their tasks with greater confidence.

Ultimately, Kukumägi's insights suggest that our nervous system, which provides us with cues on how to behave, can be influenced by the power of imagination. She asserts that recognizing and altering the negative narratives we tell ourselves is crucial in managing anxiety, allowing individuals to focus on their capabilities rather than feared failures.