When you are all set to record, and you hit that record button.. FREEZE!

Don't move a muscle or make a sound.  Just stay right where you are as you count off 10 seconds in your head.

There are a few good reasons for doing this. 

First reason, hurrying to start doing stuff the second you've hit the record button probably results in more takes being botched from the first word or note than anything else.  You might be a tiny bit clumsy getting into position.  Rushing never helps.  That 10 second pause is part of doing it more like a pro and less like someone who is doing their very first recording ever.

Second reason, that 10 seconds of being as quiet as you can, is something you can use with noise removal in audacity.  To use the noise removal tool, you need to highlight a section that is just background noise so noise removal reduction software can know what it is supposed to be taking out.

Third reason, it gives you several seconds to relax and settle any recording nerves.  Counting off the seconds in your head gives your mind a little something simple to focus on, instead of worrying about doing good on the take.

So right after you hit that record button, 10 seconds of freeze.  Then get in position to play, take a deep breath and let it out, and then you can begin.

It is also a good idea to do it at the end.  When you have played that last note, hold your position for one quiet long breath instead of running to hit the off button.

Then when your finger is on the off button, freeze for 10 seconds again.  Don't move, don't make a sound.  10 seconds and then hit "off".  That gives you two choices to work from for the background noise sample if you end up needing to do noise removal.  One will usually give a better sounding result than the other.  Like the doubletake, it improves your chances of getting an end result that you will like.

And it doesn't really cost anything or take learning anything like new software to make it work.  It is just easy, and it can help.