By reading the word social anxiety, the thought of standing in front of 50 others while presenting something might pop up in your head. If you think that is social anxiety, you might need to rethink!
This is common, and everyone has experienced it, especially during educational career or job interviews. It is a temporary feeling that fades as soon as you exit the scenario.
Social anxiety is a condition in which a person stops interacting with others due to fear of negative judgment and embarrassment. It is a long-term fear and can impact your day-to-day life.
This leaves many asking how to know whether I have social anxiety or if it is just a temporary panic. If these signs sound familiar, chances are you might have anxiety:
- Intense fear when facing social interactions
- Avoiding gatherings
- Unable to talk to strangers
- Can’t be the center of attention in gatherings
- Constant worry of being judged or humiliated
- Rapid heartbeat, sweating palms, and shaky voice during social encounters
- Fearing that someone will know that you are anxious
If you have any of these symptoms, don’t worry; we are here with the best ways that can help you overcome social anxiety and build confidence. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
Top 4 Best Ways to Overcome Social Anxiety
1. Try relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques are helpful in overcoming social anxiety. Some of the effective relaxation techniques include deep breathing and mindfulness meditation.
When you take slow, deep breaths, your heart rate slows, your blood pressure drops, and muscle tension is reduced.
These techniques might seem simple, but they are very effective in overcoming social stress and anxiety. Apart from these techniques, you can turn to Rick Simpson Oil. It is also a natural solution that can help ease social anxiety due to its sedative effects.
2. Challenge negative thoughts
Negative self-thoughts only intensify social anxiety. Stop worrying that something will go wrong just because of you or that people are judging you. When these negative thoughts arise, start questioning them.
Remember, not everything that goes wrong is your fault. For example, you don’t have control over the rain when you plan an outdoor wedding; similarly, there are things that happen beyond your control.
You can also ask yourself: Are people here just to notice me and point out my mistakes? Countering your negative thoughts is a great way to deal with social anxiety.
3. Face your fear
One of the best ways to overcome social fear is to participate in social gatherings. Face your fear head-on, be a part of social events, and experience personally—does anyone really say anything negative about you? Or is it just your mind playing with you?
The more you are a part of something that you fear, the more comfortable you will become with the situation. You might ask yourself, after a time, if these are the things that scared me in the past.
4. Seek professional help
If nothing above works for you, it is time to consult a professional and discuss your situation. By working with a therapist, you will understand the trigger points and how to manage your anxiety. They will provide you with a personalized plan for your needs.
In some cases, professionals even recommend the use of medical marijuana as part of treatment for dealing with social anxiety. If you’re already using medical marijuana, you can easily renew your medical marijuana card; otherwise, you can apply for a Medical Marijuana card Jacksonville.
