Social anxiety is a real thing. You might think that going up to a total stranger and striking up a conversation is easy, think again. There are those who can easily switch on their charming personality and engage others in a conversation wherever they go but not everyone has this skill. Some actually experience anxiety where their mind starts to race, their palms become all sweaty, and anything that comes out of their mouth become a jumbled mess. Some can’t even string together a coherent thought for that matter.

As much as we would like to be left alone, there are times when we will need to socialize. It can be at a party hosted at home, at a friend’s house, or in the company that you are working in. Whatever the occasion, you will have to learn to get over this particular obstacle and fast. To do that, here are a few tips that you can use to reduce the feeling of anxiety when faced with a lot of people.

Share your feelings

One way to really understand your condition is to share your experiences with others. You see, not everyone knows what you are going through, and instead of seeing them as bullies who put you in a tight spot, it would be better if you tell them how you feel. You might be surprised that these people will become more supportive of you and even help you out in dealing with your social anxiety.

Breathe

Facing a crowd and actually talking to them can cause a lot of anxiety to course through you especially if you are not fond of this practice. But instead of shutting them out or be swept away by the stress that you are feeling, why not do some breathing exercises. Deep or meditative breathing helps you achieve a calmer state of mind which you actually need of you are suffering from social anxiety. Since you will have better control over your mind, it will be easier for you to start a conversation with those around you without feeling anxious.

Focus on other stuff

There is no denying that anxiety can really take a hold of you to the point that you can’t think of anything else except the anxious feelings that are running through your body. Focusing on this feeling will actually make you more aware of the rapid heartbeat that is beating from your chest, the shortness of breath that you are feeling, and the growing headache between your eyes. If you are starting to feel anxiety taking a hold of you, you will need to learn how to distract yourself from giving in to these thoughts. If you are conversing with someone, use all of your powers to focus on what they are saying instead of what is happening to you.

Challenge your thoughts

Another way to overcome the anxious thoughts that you are having is to challenge them. What is making you feel anxious in the first place? Is this the worst thing that can happen to you? What will happen if you do a different thing? Constantly challenge the anxiety that you are feeling and you will see that you are breaking them down one at a time.

You don’t have to be perfect

We all want to be perfect as is evidenced with what we have been posting online. But you see, this can also be a cause for our anxiety especially when we are in a social situation. Keep in mind that no one is perfect. Just be yourself and you will feel better in talking with others.