Social anxiety is your worst enemy. It is a disorder that if not treated, can cause a mental health condition in which social interactions cause irrational anxiety, fear, worry, self-consciousness, and embarrassment. Social interaction helps our mental health, can lighten our mood, and make us feel happy. Social interactions promote a sense of belonging.
This sense of belonging is important to our health and welfare. In fact, those who enjoy a lifestyle in which they often interact with others benefit substantially. They can potentially reduce many health risks, including cardiovascular problems, blood pressure, and Alzheimer’s disease. They also reduce their risk for mental health problems, such as depression.
If you discover yourself getting anxious at the thought of meeting new people or speaking in a group, you are being affected by social anxiety. Social anxiety causes one to avoid social situations. Many people believe in self-medication or the abuse of medicine and alcohol to help them through these situations. Fortunately, there are methods you can use to seek out relief in healthy ways!
Try these effective strategies to overcome social anxiety:
1. Put yourself out there. It is often a frightening prospect, but attempt to accept any invitations you’re given, albeit you don’t particularly want to travel. With a positive attitude, the more you practice, the easier it becomes.
2. Get help from a professional. Of course, confiding in a friend about your anxiety may help, but remember that they aren’t trained for this. Make an appointment to speak to a professional therapist. They may be ready to suggest some customized coping mechanisms that might work for you.
3. Strengthen your overall health. Poor health can leave you feeling anxious. Eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly. Healthy food and exercise both uplift your mood and may decrease stress and anxiety. Exercise also helps to release feel-good hormones.
● Besides getting some exercise, joining a local fitness class would also allow you to practice meeting new people while those feel-good hormones are in full effect. This will make it easier for you to cope with meeting them. Plus, who knows – you might meet your new best friend or partner!
4. Write it down. List the times that you have managed to overcome your fears. What did you do to overcome your fears in this situation? How did you feel when this happened?
● Whenever you encounter an event where you are feeling socially anxious, write that down, too. How does this example compare with those on your list?
● Regular reflection of the times you were successful in combating your fears can help with current situations.
Positive Self Talk for Social Anxiety Helps
5. Congratulate yourself. You may not be confident publicly, but you’ve got many other things that you simply are often proud of! Recognize and remind yourself of any achievements you’ve made. This will help boost your confidence, which can assist you to overcome social issues also .
6. Practice your social skills. Learn how to make introductions and give compliments. Practice making eye contact and remembering names. Listen to what others have to say and keep the focus on them – not you.
● These few skills will not only help you through a social situation, but the other person will walk away from the conversation feeling like a million bucks!
● Remember – others won’t always remember what you said, but they’re going to remember how you made them feel!
How to be more confident with social anxiety
7. Join a support group. Talking to others who are undergoing the same challenges as you are often comforting. Plus, you’ll all be ready to encourage one another and offer support and advice from your own experiences.
8. Try going somewhere new. When you go to new places, you’ll meet new people. Using your new skills to interact with them will offer you more practice and confidence in handling social situations.
9. Remember that you don’t need to be perfect. Those with social anxiety think that they have to be perfect. Yet, perfection isn’t attainable for anyone! Instead of trying to be perfect, try and enjoy the moment and have a “that’ll do” attitude.
10. Read my self-help book about overcoming social anxiety. Learn step-by-step strategies that help you become proficient in becoming a Social Butterfly. These proven strategies can inspire you to get rid of years of anxiety in just 90 days. You will gain an understanding of the symptoms, causes, and how to lessen social anxiety. While acquiring the knowledge to build confidence, self-esteem, make friends, and exciting social life.
Breaking the cycle of social anxiety will take some time and practice, but you can do this! Reward yourself for each small step you make.
Focus on the journey ahead and the steps you can take that will bring you success. Before long, you won’t need to worry about social anxiety ever again!
