3.06.2008

Want to Overcome Social Anxiety? Here Are Three Ways to Stop the Fear and Regain Control.

Have you experienced the pain of Social Anxiety? It’s a very common condition and I know all about how it can control your life.


In my case it was often fuelled by unrealistic expectations I placed on myself. Nonetheless it was something that robbed me of just enjoying life. If you can relate to this, then there is good news - you can overcome Social Anxiety!

First let’s look at what Social Anxiety is:

It is one of the more common types of anxiety and involves embarrassment in situations where you expect to be observed or evaluated. It is the third largest psychological problem in the United States today affecting millions of people.


Most people experience mild discomfort in unfamiliar social situations such as public speaking; however, with Social Anxiety there is of a sense of uncontrolled fear when presented with an anxiety producing situation. Social anxiety is fear.


Here Are 3 Natural Ways to Reduce Your Social Anxiety and Regain Control of Your Life!


#1. Reduce Stress in Your Life.


You really need to avoid anxiety and panic triggering factors. You need to reduce the stress in your life by whatever works for you – perhaps its relaxation techniques, aerobic exercise, listening to music, giving yourself some TLC – like having regular spa visits or simply getting together with a trusted friend who is positive and uplifting. Stress management techniques and relaxation can be very calming.


# 2. Set Realistic Expectations For Yourself


This was critical for me. When we place unrealistic expectations on ourselves, it is quite likely we simply will not meet those expectations on a regular basis.


Over time, we develop a pattern of thinking that we are never going to be good enough, so we simply don’t try.


To overcome this thinking you first must recognize it, and then begin to take small action steps. Prepare yourself and set reasonable goals. Remember to set low expectation then when you accomplish your goals you’ll gain much needed confidence.


#3. Stop Avoidance


Oh yes – this can really steal joy from your life – if you let it. Please don’t let yourself become an avoider.


Avoidance is simply a response to pain. If we experience emotional pain we avoid any situation that could potentially give us discomfort – hence, you feel relieved that you did not have to put yourself through this.


The key words here are “could potentially give us discomfort”. When I recognized that life was passing me by, and I was missing out; the pain of that became greater than the pain of Social Anxiety.


We need to stop reinforcing this behaviour and therefore stop the cycle of fear and avoidance. Focus on all the things that you are missing out on and make a list. Recognize that what you fear by avoiding social situations is by far less troublesome than missing out on what life can bring you.


Start with an action – ask a friend to a movie (where you can relax in between the talking). Join a class then slowly, over time, choose someone you feel comfortable with to talk to. Take action and stop avoiding.


It is completely possible to overcome Social Anxiety step by step – naturally. Decide today and you can make it happen.


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Natural Solutions To Anxiety & Panic Attacks
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