6 Ways You Can Improve Your Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder is usually misinterpreted, and most people may be suffering in silence. It’s more than feeling nervous and not wanting to engage in group activities like talking to colleagues, going on dates, buying groceries, eating in public, or even attending classes. It can hinder and take control of your everyday life.

The fear of social interactions and experiencing social anxiety can make simple obligations impossible to overcome. According to Mental Health America, about 7% or 15 million American adults suffer from a social anxiety disorder. It’s suggested that most people start showing social anxiety symptoms during their teen years. The good news is that you can improve your social anxiety by utilizing the tips listed below.

Engage a Therapist

Despite what most people think, social anxiety goes beyond feeling nervous, uneasy, or shy around people. It’s a mental health issue, and it’s quite hard to manage the situation alone. You may incorporate a few strategies to manage the distress and anxiety you experience, but the best natural energy healing entails talking to a professional relaxing therapist. The best thing about mental health experts is that they will help you recognize your anxiety triggers, give a conclusive insight on the difference between shyness and social anxiety, teach useful coping and relaxation strategies, and above all, offer guidance on how to reframe or replace your negative thoughts.

Challenge Your Anxious and Negative Thoughts

Although it feels like it’s impossible to change how you think or feel, there are things you can do to change this belief. Challenging your negative thoughts is one of the best ways of lessening social anxiety symptoms. You can begin by recognizing the anxious thoughts that come your way when interacting with people. Next, analyze and challenge these thoughts. However, remember that changing your thoughts is a long process, and it is not an instant solution.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

Your body and mind are connected, and how you treat them can have a huge impact throughout the rest of your life. Introducing trivial lifestyle changes can boost your ability and self-confidence to handle social-anxiety symptoms. For example, you can limit or avoid caffeine intake by not consuming caffeinated drinks or coffee after a certain period. Energy drinks are typical stimulants that increase your anxiety symptoms. Include physical workouts into your everyday schedule and be active throughout the day. If you must drink alcohol, take it in moderation as too much of it increases anxiety attacks.

Avoid Focusing on Yourself

If you are in an environment that makes you nervous, it’s difficult to stop thinking about yourself. Most people turn inward and focus on themselves and how others think of them, and in most cases, it turns out to be negative. The thought that people will judge and glare at you when you walk into a room is one of the reasons why people have social anxiety disorders. It would help if you stopped focusing on yourself and what others think of you. Instead, try to be present, make genuine connections, and focus on other people.

Take a Breath

Muscle tension, pounding chest, dizziness, and increased heart rate are physical symptoms of social anxiety. Learning how to slow your breath comes in handy in helping you gain control of your body. Please take a seat, get comfortable, take a deep breath, and hold it for a couple of seconds. Next, exhale gradually and push out as much air as possible. Repeat the process until your heart rate, and anxiety returns to normalcy.

Act Confidently

Some people may suffer from crippling shyness and social phobia. In the same way, you learned how to swim or ride a bike, you can learn to be confident. People around you will react positively to you if you act much more confidently. However, it doesn’t mean you become the center of attraction. Merely put, make yourself much more assertive, and your fears will slowly disappear with time.

Overcoming social anxiety takes time. So, if you suffer from it, consider looking for professional help in any way you feel comfortable. In the meantime, the above tips come in handy in helping you overcome your social anxiety disorder. While it seems like a dreadful hurdle, it’s worth trying so that you can live a happy and social life again.