How To Conquer Social Anxiety

Hello, My Name Is: We’ve likely all experienced some form of social anxiety, like being nervous before a party or a networking event. For most of us, the feeling is fleeting, but social anxiety disorder (SAD) is an actual diagnosis. If your anxiety feels crippling, therapy can help. Other simple practices can help you squash social anxiety. 

The Benefits: Facing your fears can help you engage with others and stop avoiding work or social functions. Plus, social connection is associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases and a longer, happier life. 

How to Do It: Here are five tips for overcoming mild bouts of social anxiety:
– Challenge negative self-talk: Instead of thinking, “I’m not very interesting,” note things about yourself that contradict this claim.
– Prepare: Imagine potential conversations, and come up with responses. Think of open-ended questions to ask other people. 
– Take care of yourself: Exercise, eat nourishing food, and get enough sleep beforehand. Don’t drink too much booze at the event. 
– Ground yourself: Breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques can help you relax in new situations. Do a grounding scan by looking for strange or silly items in the room. (It will also lighten your mood.)
– Make yourself engage: If you usually stand by yourself or scroll on your phone during gatherings, stop even one of these behaviors next time.