Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is a mental health disorder that is distinguished by overwhelming anxiety and self-consciousness. People that struggle with social anxiety have an intense fear of being judged, watched and tend to overthink and get embarrassed by their actions in public. This kind of anxiety and self-criticism can make it difficult for people to engage in day-to-day activities.
Here are five ways to help you deal with social anxiety
The connection between the body and the mind is complex, and although dealing with social anxiety can seem as simple as throwing yourself into a conversation, it takes a lot of effort to get there. Here are five simple ways to help with dealing with this mental disorder.
Therapy
When dealing with any mental disorder, it is always important to speak to a professional first. This will help you understand the severity of your social anxiety and thus help with finding suitable ways for you to deal with it. One of the most effective psychotherapy is Cognitive-behavioural therapy which helps eradicate negative behaviours and beliefs that contribute to anxiety.
Exercise
Research has shown that exercising can help with combating mental disorders such and anxiety and depression. Exercising helps with blood circulation to the brain, which then leads to better brain functionality and helps with improving mood disorders.
Control your breathing
Social anxiety and its overwhelming feeling of worry can increase your heart rate and affect your breathing patterns. Therefore, channeling your concentration to controlling your breathing can help with reducing your heart rate and blood pressure, which automatically reduces your stress levels.
Limit alcohol
Drinking alcohol can trick the brain into feeling more socially comfortable. However, once that feeling wears off, it goes right back to those excessive self-critical thoughts. Therefore, limiting alcohol gives you the control to limit those long-term implications of using alcohol as a coping mechanism which can result in addition.
Challenge your negative thoughts
Challenging that loud inner voice that keeps telling you that you are too anxious to socialise is a good way to face social anxiety straight in the face. This can be an opportunity for you to monitor yourself and ask yourself simple questions about why you are afraid of saying something wrong or embarrassing. Or an opportunity to think back to what could have been the trigger for these kinds of thoughts. Sometimes you need to study your behaviours to know how to help yourself.