How to Cope With Social Anxiety
Many people feel awkward to attend some social events or meet new people. It’s quite normal to feel uncomfortable, nervous, or shy in situations when somebody is judging you, such as an interview, starting a new job, or meeting your beloved’s family. In maximum cases, this type of anxiety needs time for settlement and sometimes it does not prevent us from doing essential and fun things. However, for some individuals, social anxiety can be incapacitating and can affect their relationships, work, and life quality.
In case you feel anxious in social gatherings or feel concerned about what others say, learn some coping strategies to feel better and get benefited. Here are 2 major coping strategies for anxiety in social situations:
1. Face Your Fears
Facing the social situations you are afraid of is one of the most useful things to do for dealing with the anxiety for situations. It keeps your anxiety disorder going. Although ignoring terrifying situations may let you feel better for a certain time, it hinders you from feeling more comfortable in social events and understanding how to deal in the long run. If you avoid a nerve-wracking social situation more, it becomes more frightening.
Avoiding your fears also hinders you from performing things you prefer doing or reaching specific targets. For instance, it’s a fear that may hinder you from making new friends, standing out in the classroom, or sharing your thoughts at work. Although you may feel it tough to cope with a terrifying social situation, you can overcome it by taking an initiative at a time. Start with the situation that you can deal with and slowly work on more difficult situations, create your self-esteem and managing skills.
2. Pay Attention to Other People, Not Yourself
Many people tend to get trapped in their anxious feelings and thoughts when they are in a social situation that makes them nervous. You may focus on what others say and judge you. Some may think that paying extra focus on themselves can help them better control their anxious thoughts. But this extra self-focus makes them more aware of their nervousness, increasing more social anxiousness. Moreover, it hinders them from completely focusing on the conversations about you or your performance.
Moving from the internal to the external focus can help reduce social anxiousness. If you focus more on the things happening around you, you will be less impacted by anxiety.
Pay heed to other people
Listen to what is being said
Keep in mind that anxiety is not at all visible.
Concentrate on the current moment.
Concentrate on being attentive and honest.
Conclusion
As you challenge negative thoughts, practice relaxation, and face nerve-wracking situations, you will find it less difficult to stay stress-free even if you have a social anxiety disorder. This helps you reduce your social anxiousness. Nevertheless, if you face severe anxiety every day, consult a doctor or a mental health expert, as conventional therapies like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or medication may be recommended.