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Overcome social anxiety with these tips, and never be shy in a crowd again!

Those who suffer social anxiety, find it difficult to communicate and interact with people. So, how to get over social anxiety? Here are 5 simple tips for it.
Overcome social anxiety in a healthy way. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Archana Singhal Published: 3 Jun 2023, 16:00 pm IST
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You are at a lively social gathering, surrounded by interesting conversations and laughter. People effortlessly talk and connect with each other. But there you stand, gripped by an invisible force that tightens your chest, steals your voice and floods your mind with self-doubt. Welcome to the world of social anxiety, where communication becomes a daunting task. Social anxiety can be a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world. It can be debilitating and lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. If you are also someone who experiences it and is wondering how to get rid of social anxiety, you will find the solution here.

How to get over social anxiety?

Follow these 5 tips to calm your mind, cut your stress and overcome social anxiety:

1. Identify your triggers

The first step to calming your nerves when feeling socially anxious is to identify what triggers your anxiety. This could be a certain situation, a certain type of person, or even a certain type of environment. Once you know what your triggers are, you can be better prepared to cope with them when they arise.

Find the triggers to settle your anxious mind. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Take deep breaths

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, one of the best things you can do is take deep breaths. Taking deep breaths can help you to relax and focus your attention on something else. It can also help to slow down your heart rate, which can further help to reduce anxiety.

3. Talk to someone who calms you

Talking to someone you trust can be a great way to help calm your nerves when you feel socially anxious. Talking to someone who understands can help put your mind at ease and make you feel less alone in your struggles.

Also read: Social anxiety 101: What is it and when to seek help for it

4. Distract yourself

Sometimes, the best way to deal with social anxiety is to distract yourself. Get yourself a new habit. This could mean listening to music, reading a book, or engaging in an activity that you enjoy. Doing something that helps you focus on something other than your feelings can be a great way to help calm your nerves.

5. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that involves focusing on the present moment. It can be a great way to help cope with feelings of anxiety and to distract your attention from worries and fears. Practising mindfulness can help reduce stress levels and give you a sense of control over your emotions.

Improve your mental health with meditation every day. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

6. Gradual exposure

Gradually expose yourself to social situations that make you anxious. Start with smaller, less intimidating situations and gradually work your way up. It may be uncomfortable at first, but facing your fears in a controlled manner can help desensitise you over time.

7. Seek professional help

Consider reaching out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counsellor, who specialises in anxiety disorders. They can provide you with specific techniques and strategies to manage your social anxiety.

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Takeaway

Social anxiety can be a challenging issue to cope with, but there are ways to help manage it. Identifying your triggers, taking deep breaths, talking to someone, distracting yourself, and practising mindfulness are all great ways to help calm your nerves when feeling socially anxious. With patience, practice, and dedication, you can learn to manage your social anxiety and become more comfortable in social situations.

Archana Singhal

Archana Singhal, Counselor, and Family Therapist, and a Member of - the Counselors Council of India and WICCI NPWC.  ...Read More

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