Psychologist Offers ‘Pretend Flush’ Technique to Combat Performance Anxiety
In the United States, a trending topic highlights a performance anxiety tip from psychologist Cindra Kamphoff: 'pretend flush' a mistake down the toilet to overcome jitters before high-stakes events.
Baltimore, MD, October 3, 2026 — In the United States, a psychological technique aimed at mitigating performance anxiety is gaining attention. The method, shared by psychologist Cindra Kamphoff, suggests employing a ‘pretend flush’ to help individuals overcome jitters before participating in high-stakes events.
Performance anxiety, characterized by nervousness, fear, or apprehension before or during a situation that demands a high level of performance, can affect individuals across various fields, including sports, public speaking, and professional examinations. The physiological and psychological symptoms can range from increased heart rate and sweating to intrusive negative thoughts.
Dr. Kamphoff’s proposed strategy offers a simple, yet potentially effective, mental exercise. The core concept involves visualizing a mistake or a perceived flaw, and then mentally simulating flushing it away down a toilet. This symbolic act is designed to help individuals release their focus on past errors or fears of future ones, allowing them to approach the upcoming event with a clearer and more composed mindset.
The effectiveness of such cognitive reframing techniques often lies in their ability to redirect mental energy. By actively engaging in a ritual that symbolizes discarding negative thoughts, individuals may be better equipped to shift their attention towards the task at hand, rather than dwelling on potential failures. This approach aims to foster a sense of letting go and moving forward.
While the specific context of where or when Dr. Kamphoff shared this tip, or the particular high-stakes events it is most applicable to, were not detailed in the summary, the technique itself aligns with broader psychological principles of managing anxiety through distraction and symbolic action. The simplicity of the ‘pretend flush’ method makes it accessible for many individuals seeking practical coping mechanisms to enhance their readiness for demanding situations.
Story summarized from the original created by Lennon Sherburne on www.npr.org, see more information here.
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