Wow thanks so much everyone for these deeply insightful comments and all the encouragement. It's been almost a week since my experience and I've had time to reflect, retrospect, and play new things on the piano.
Jane Thanks so much for sharing your experiences Jane. I enjoyed your performances very much and I think it's pretty cool just how you handled things so expertly under pressure. I've bookmarked that video to watch it thoroughly! So far it seems really on point and super insightful.
twocats The shakes were not as bad as I've had them before but I remember sitting at the piano and feeling disoriented. Now in hindsight, I think I feel like I wasn't sitting as high as I usually do and I wasn't quite in the center position nor how I generally position myself at the piano. I've convinced myself that something as simple as this is what threw me off my game. It's so basic, but I needed to adjust my bench properly and to my personal liking. Or at least practice playing in different bench positions at home.
The piano itself was great and worked well, so I didn't have any complaints there. Generally sub-optimal pianos easily throw me off.
As far as physical activity goes, I generally do the minimum on the day of the recital! So I didn't any of my usual weekend biking etc... if anything I slept and rested more. Maybe that was mistake now that you mention that cardio helps!
Josephine Thanks Josephine. My experience feels the same, but it was in front of a larger audience!
ShiroKuro Thank you thank you so much for the deep insights!
I think I did exactly the wrong thing on recital day, which was to cut down on all my usual activities, take it easy, and even nap during the day! Yes, I've been taking lessons for about 5 or 6 years now, so I can only hope this is going to be a turning point.
After reading everything you wrote, I feel so motivated now and lifted from my self-inflicted doldrums.
Thank you all so much!