The holidays can be an exciting time filled with celebrations, but for some people, the thought of attending social events can bring up feelings of anxiety. If you’re nervous about walking into a room full of people or striking up conversations, you’re not alone. Many of us have an underlying fear of being judged or embarrassed. In fact the Yale Institute of Medicine states that approx 13% of americans live with some sort of social anxiety the symptoms of which generally start during the teenage years. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to manage these feelings and enjoy the holidays.
In this post, we’ll share simple tips to help you feel more confident and comfortable in social settings.
Social anxiety often comes from a fear of being humiliated or saying the wrong thing. It can feel like you are constantly in the spotlight, but the truth is, most people are so busy with their own thoughts they don't notice others. Acknowledging this can be the first step in easing your anxiety.
If what makes you anxious is the thought of meeting new people, here are some tips to help you; all new relations start with conversation.
Starting a conversation can be one of the most intimidating parts of socializing, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few easy ways to break the ice:
-Compliment the person: Saying, “I love your sweater!, or shoes” can be the beginning of a friendship.
-Ask a question:for example “What’s your favorite cookie?” or “Have you seen any good holiday movies lately?”
-Share something about yourself: A comment like, “I love cookies but some of the ones I have tried making didn’t taste very well,” can make people smile and relate to you.
Keep it simple and authentic. You don’t need to be perfect—just approachable.
A genuine smile can do wonders for breaking the ice and easing tension. Even if you feel nervous, a soft smile shows that you’re open to connecting with others. Pair it with brief eye contact, and you’ll come across as warm and friendly without saying a word.
When you feel your anxiety kicking in, grounding yourself with these techniques can help; it also helps to practice these before you attend a gathering:
Pick three objects in the room and mentally describe them. For example, “That ornament is red, round, and shiny.” This exercise helps bring you back to the present moment.
Try the 4-4-4 breathing technique—inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds. Repeat this a few times to calm your body.
handling social anxiety in the comments!
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