6 Steps To Curb Social Anxiety

Next time you’re nervous about being in a social situation with a lot of people, try these six steps:

• Stop negative self-talk. Cheer yourself on. Tell yourself, “It will be ok and I can get through this.”
• Prepare. Ask yourself, “What is the worst-case scenario?” Sit a moment with these uncomfortable feelings and then change the story.
  • “I won’t know what to say” – think about some possible topics (school, work, sports, hobbies) prior to the event so you have something to talk about.
  • “I will be uncomfortable, no one will talk to me” – smile, say hello, or compliment someone; this will help more than you think.
• Pay attention to your breathing. Calm breaths in and out are best, don’t hold your breath or breathe too quickly.

• Turn the focus from yourself to other people. Focus on listening rather than thinking about what you’re going to say next.

• Be comfortable with the pause. A pause in conversation is not a bad thing. Take a bite of your pizza or a drink of your soda.
• Don’t expect perfection from yourself or the event you are attending, instead just stay in the moment and enjoy it.

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"Don’t ever doubt yourselves or waste a second of your life. It’s too short, and you’re too special."