Social anxiety is, by definition, intense anxiety or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation. I know firsthand how overwhelming and all-consuming social anxiety can be. I sometimes find it impossible to even interact with anyone outside of my personal space. Self-Isolation is something that people dealing with social anxiety have to try their hardest to overcome. Today, the current pandemic, has brought with it a certain level of social anxiety that many feel they may not be able to overcome. It can be a constant battle within yourself to even step outside, but I hope the tips I’ve listed below will help you eventually win that battle.
I know what you’re thinking, how is eating right and exercising going to help my social anxiety? Well, it may not seem like an obvious answer, but I can guarantee that taking care of you is the first step in feeling less scared or judged. When you feel your best and look your best, it’s a lot easier to feel confident. So, drink lots of water. Eat your vegetables. And go to the gym! Or if you don’t like the gym (like me), try working out at home. Or going for a jog.
2. Keep a journal.
With social anxiety, you tend to have a lot of thoughts but very few spoken words. I’ve found that keeping a journal allows you to express those thoughts in a safe space. This will allow you to look back and determine whether you’re on the right path to overcoming anxiety or you’re falling into old patterns.
It’s hard making friends when you’re afraid to talk to people. All you really need is a few close friends to keep you involved in social practices. Good friends help you feel loved, understood, and appreciated. It’s also great to have someone to go to about anything you’re dealing with.
4. Step out of your shell.
Stepping out of that comfort zone can be one of the hardest things to do when you’re dealing with anxiety. However, it’s important to train yourself to deal with uncomfortable situations. Even if it’s just going out to a party with friends. I’ve found that the worst part of social anxiety, is the fear before you do something. When you push past that fear and put yourself out there, it’ll be a lot easier from there.
5. Take your time.
Remember that social anxiety isn’t something that’s going to be easy to overcome. Don’t be afraid to speak up when you feel you need time alone. Most importantly, don’t feel bad that you do. Your main priority should always be to take care of yourself. You can push yourself, but also be sure to know your limits.