Don’t Be Afraid to Slow Down
When you feel as though you’re being rushed, it can increase your feelings of anxiety. Don’t worry too much about finishing a task or getting to a place by a specific time. Instead, slow things down and give yourself time to do everything you need to do. It’s better to be late and calm than on-time and overwhelmed.
Pay attention to the way you move so that you can keep control of your body. Anxiety tends to build up in your nervous system. Make your movements slow and deliberate. This will allow you to stay in control. Get enough rest, if you are exhausted anxiety will be exasperated. Read this study on edge support and consider a new mattress to help you get a great night’s sleep.
Take a Deep Breath
In addition to paying attention to your movements, you should be deliberate about your breathing. Breathe slowly and deeply. Instead of breathing from the chest, your breaths should come from your belly. Pay attention to the way your stomach expands when you inhale air.
When you take slow and deep breaths, it signals to your nervous system that it’s time to calm down. Breathing techniques can help you to relax even when your anxiety is intense.
Imagine That the People Around You Are Your Friends
Social anxiety is very common, and that’s partially because people are afraid of how others will react to you. Even though people are often friendly, you may be afraid of embarrassment or rejection. That’s why it can be helpful to treat new people as if they were your friends.
Tell yourself that these are people that you already know and get along with. This doesn’t mean that you should act overly familiar with strangers. It just means that you should try to trick your brain into thinking you’re in the company of friends. This can instantly help your anxiety subside.
Rehearse for Social Situations
If social anxiety is a frequent source of stress for you, you may want to rehearse for situations so that you can practice relaxation techniques. It’s easier to stay calm when you feel prepared.
While rehearsing for a social event may sound strange, you don’t have to do anything elaborate. When you’re at home and feeling calm, you should try to picture yourself at a social event. Envision yourself at a dinner or in a work meeting. Try to think about what people may say or what you would do.
Not only can this make you feel like you’re ready for the event, but it can help you to associate feelings of relaxation with socializing. You may be surprised at how much calmer this makes you feel during social events.
Make a Point of Asking Questions
In many cases, a lack of information can increase stress. Not knowing what to say can also be anxiety inducing. That’s why it’s a good idea to give other people a reason to talk.
Show interest in the people around you. Make a point of asking them questions that are open-ended. You won’t have to worry about what you’re going to say. Instead, you can let everyone else do the talking.
Pay Attention to the Things Around You
When your stress levels start to skyrocket, you can bring yourself down to earth with a change of focus. Instead of putting all your attention on yourself, start paying more attention to everything you’re around you.
Look at the food on people’s plates. Check out the flooring, the walls, and the ceiling. By focusing your attention elsewhere, you’ll be able to spend less time worrying about yourself. Perfectionism is futile. Don’t let yourself drown in negative self-talk. Take the time to redirect your thoughts and give your anxiety a chance to calm down.