Table of Contents
2. Socialize More
- Keep A Record of Your Interactions.
- Take Big Leaps Out of Your Comfort Zone.
- Reframe Mistakes as Positive Learning Opportunities.
- Spend Time With Confident Friends.
- Meditate.
- Socialize With Everyone.
- Make Plans and Invite People.
- Practice Self-Amusement.
Public speaking anxiety, also known as glossophobia, is one of the most commonly reported social fears. 1 While some people may feel nervous about giving a speech or presentation, if you have social anxiety disorder (SAD), public speaking anxiety may take over your life.
How do I stop thinking about social anxiety?
Stop and slow down: When you do have extreme feelings of social anxiety, don’t react. Instead, try doing some relaxation exercises, write in your journal (as described above), or practice meditation. Engaging in these adaptive behaviors will break the cycle between anxious thoughts and runaway emotions.
How can I get over public speaking with social anxiety?
These steps may help:
- Know your topic.
- Get organized.
- Practice, and then practice some more.
- Challenge specific worries.
- Visualize your success.
- Do some deep breathing.
- Focus on your material, not on your audience.
- Don’t fear a moment of silence.
Stay Mindful While Engaged in Conversation.
- When you eat with others at a sit-down meal or in social situations (meetings, work, holidays, events, celebrations, etc.), practice being present to the conversation.
- Shift your attention to your body and the experience of eating.
- Then shift back to the social milieu.
Although it may feel like you’re the only one with this problem, social anxiety is actually quite common. Many people struggle with these fears. But the situations that trigger the symptoms of social anxiety disorder can be different. Some people experience anxiety in most social situations.
How do I get a handle on social anxiety?
Make Changes for Yourself, Not Others. Be careful about your reasons for wanting to change. If daily life is painful, that is a reason to get a handle on social anxiety. However, if you just want to impress your friends on Facebook or in real life with your social skills and popularity, the changes you make won’t last.
Why do I get anxious just thinking about something?
These situations may be so frightening that you get anxious just thinking about them or go to great lengths to avoid them, disrupting your life in the process. Underlying social anxiety disorder is the fear of being scrutinized, judged, or embarrassed in public.
Focus on keeping a slow and steady breathing pattern of 4-in, 2-hold, and 6-out. One of the most helpful things you can do to overcome social anxiety is to face the social situations you fear rather than avoid them. Avoidance keeps social anxiety disorder going.