Does the thought of speaking in public fill you with dread? It does for most people. That's one example of social anxiety you might be able to identify with. You may be fine in most social situations, but the idea of getting in front of a crowd of people and giving a speech is something you'd rather not think about.
It's expected to be anxious in some situations. If you get nervous about a big deadline you have to meet, those feelings can give you the motivation you need to be successful. Other times anxiety can be crippling. If you feel that social anxiety keeps you from living your best life, here are a few tips for becoming more poised and composed during personal interactions.
Where's the Proof?
Ask yourself if there is any proof your anxiety makes sense. Have you been in situations like this before where you were unnecessarily worried? Everything turned out fine, even though you were freaking out. Look for proof that your nervousness is out of place. Expect the best instead of the worst.
Understand That Other People Probably Aren't Paying Attention to You
Most people are preoccupied with their own lives. They don't have much time or inclination to worry about you. Think about it. How often do you spend time critiquing others? If you're like most people, it isn't something you do frequently. Social anxiety often comes from imagining what people are thinking about you. The truth is, most of the time, they aren't thinking of you at all.
What's the Worst That Could Happen?
Go ahead and let your anxiety run wild. Imagine the worst possible (but rational) outcome if your anxious feelings are correct. We tend to blow things out of proportion in our minds sometimes. Don't let that happen. Make an objective appraisal of your situation, and you'll usually find that you are worrying about nothing.
Practice with Safe Social Experiences
Put yourself in comfortable situations whenever you can. Have a friend or loved one tag along. Try socializing in small groups at first. Attend events that cater to your interests and hobbies. Practicing in comfortable and emotionally safe environments gives you the confidence to put yourself in more challenging social situations.
Even the most confident person can suffer self-doubt and nervousness at times. This is a common experience for all of us. Remember that. You should also understand that you are going to suffer social setbacks. You'll say the wrong thing or commit other social faux pas. Don't worry about it. We are humans, and that means we are imperfect. When this happens, put these tips into practice. They help you feel poised and confident rather than socially anxious and nervous.
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