Social Anxiety? 5 Tips To Ditch It

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Social anxiety can be defined as the nervous feeling one gets when participating in a social situation, or after the event. Although for some, social anxiety is widespread, others will only experience it within particular instances. At the core of social anxiety is the fear of evaluation. Surprisingly, it is not only the negative evaluations that bring the worry but also the positive ones.

According to experts, the severity of the anxiety is what matters. For instance, if you have issues associating with people but it does not impact on your personal and professional, goals, there is no cause for alarm. However, at times the condition is extreme such that the individual fears attending school because they do not want to interact with people.

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Regardless of the extremism of the social anxiety, there are steps one can take to overcome it.

1. Prepare to relax

Although most people do not think of worrying as a self-programmed event, it is. Constant worrying about an upcoming social event often causes anxiety. You can change the situation by thinking about the social gathering while relaxed. You could do so when seated in a comfortable chair or when having a warm bath. Picture yourself being confident and relaxed. Do this repeatedly enough such that your mind and body creates a better association to these moments.

2. Concentrate on your surroundings

Socially anxious individuals focus on their inward feelings. Studies have indicated that the shy people in social events have a poor recall of the environment. This is because throughout the party they have been focusing on the inwards instead of the outwards. When you arrive at an event, take time to master your surroundings. Look at the wall art and how other guests are dressed. Although this seems strange, it will get you used to focus away from yourself.

3. Interact

When you arrive at the gathering, do not coil at a corner. Instead, ask the other participants questions. Remember to master their replies, so that you can seem interested. The questions should require a lengthy answer, and not just a yes or no question. While at it, you will manage to drive attention away from yourself and onto other people.

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4. Abandon your imagination

Your imagination is a great tool. However, you must learn to use it constructively. If you are suffering from anxiety disorders, putting your imagination to play while at an event is not a wise thing to do. Never try to imagine what people are thinking about you, as this will only elevate your stress levels. When tempted, remind yourself that you have no idea of other people’s thoughts.

5. Be yourself

Pat of managing social phobia involves learning to be comfortable in your skin. You should be comfortable enough not to attempt to portray a perfect image. When you are relaxed, it is hard to make a fool out of yourself. The truth is that social nervousness makes one care too much about what others think about them.
Common self-conscious thoughts that should be avoided are:

I hope nobody realizes I am tensed
What if I say the wrong things?
Will people think I am stupid?
Who would want to hear my opinion?

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