Big interview, presentation, or deadline coming up? Cognitive scientist shares surprising hacks to beat stress and excel under pressure

Dartmouth College President Sian Leah Beilock, a cognitive psychology expert, reveals how stress can sabotage performance in high-pressure situations. She suggests that 'overthinking' disrupts well-practiced skills due to prefrontal cortex interference. Beilock proposes simple strategies to regain control, such as distracting the brain with a song or focusing on a physical sensation. Practicing under simulated pressure and journaling anxieties can also free the mind.