Social anxiety is something I have struggled with for a while now. Ever since I was in middle school, I have always been fearful of people judging me during PowerPoint presentations or just judging me when they see me having fun with my friends.
My social anxiety has increased to the point where the last two semesters when our school hosted a student activities fair, I would begin to hyperventilate, my heart would start beating more rapidly, and I would look down if I saw people looking in my direction when I attended these events.
By now, I expected myself to be at the stage where I didn’t care what others thought of me, but unfortunately, that is not the case. Because of my self-cautiousness, I tend to miss out on fun social events on campus.
Despite this, I have found five ways that have helped get me through my social anxiety. The list is as follows:
1. Surround myself with friends
I love hanging out with my friends because they always give me good advice, they are easy to talk to, and encourage me to do things that I may not have been comfortable with doing before.
2. Listen to upbeat/uplifting music
I usually like to listen to R&B/soul, neo-soul, gospel, and pop music to help get me through any difficult day. I immediately feel better once I finish listening to a song that has a powerful message and upbeat sound to it.
3. Call my family
Getting in contact with my parents or other relatives always puts a smile on my face. Even if it’s just a brief conversation to ask me how my day is going or if anything interesting happened on campus, I become calmer once I finish a phone call with my family.
4. Complete homework assignments
Although homework can be stressful at times, it helps take my mind from the people around me. It allows me to stay focus and feel productive when I am doing it, so I tend to use it as a means of distraction.
5. Watch YouTube videos or movies
Funny YouTube videos, Vine videos, or movies always puts me in a good mood. Even if I have seen the video or movie so many times before, it still makes me laugh or smile as if it’s the first time I am seeing them.
I have found college to be a wonderful place for people like me to finally break out of their shy and introverted shell because you have a lot of opportunities to network with people within your major, connect with people who are like you and make lifelong friendships.
Although I have yet to break out of my shell, I know that with the help of these tips I will eventually get there.