How To Lighten Up And Overcome Anxiety At Social Events

Does the idea of being in a room full of people make you nervous? Perhaps receiving an invitation to an event triggers feelings of panic and dismay? If so, you could be suffering from social anxiety. It’s a common mental health disorder triggered by situations ranging from public speaking to attending a party. Although any of these situations can make someone nervous, someone with social anxiety experiences extreme physical and emotional reactions that prove uncomfortable. 

Rapid heartbeat, increased perspiration, difficulty breathing, digestive problems, and panic attacks are common signs of social anxiety. These symptoms can be so intense that it causes a person to isolate themselves, avoid specific scenarios, and miss out on opportunities and relationships. If you struggle with this mental health disorder, you may be wondering how to get past it. Below are some suggestions. 

Dig Deeper Into Anxious Thoughts

Though you may believe you have no control over your thoughts, that’s far from the truth. When you have a deeper understanding of why you feel anxious in certain situations, you can dispel those thoughts with facts or positive thinking. Consider why you feel anxious when attending social events. Do you get overwhelmed because you believe others are judging you? Are you assuming they’re thinking the worse? 

If that’s the case, consider the possibility that everyone has their insecurities and no one is trying to single you out. On a positive note, perhaps they’re assessing positive qualities in you. If you can break down the why, you can begin to rationalize those thoughts, therefore, reducing your anxieties. 

Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Did you know that a poor diet or sedentary lifestyle can increase feelings of anxiety? As diet and exercise impact your emotional health, you must prioritize them accordingly. You’ll want to avoid (or drink in moderation) drinking coffee or alcohol as these beverages may exacerbate anxiety symptoms. 

Incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your diet helps to improve hormonal imbalances and regulate emotions. You can also try using an all-natural tincture for anxiety to help calm your nerves. Physical activity, even something as simple as a brisk walk, can help to reduce stress hormones and boost your mood. Essentially, developing a routine that includes a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and quality rest can help improve anxiety. Not to mention, when you feel and look your best, it quickly becomes a boost of confidence. 

Take The Focus Off You

Unless it’s your birthday or an event put together to celebrate something you’ve done personally, you’re not the center of attention. So, practice taking the focus off of you. Instead of wondering what others are thinking or saying about you, take this time to cultivate relationships. Spark conversations, find out their interests, identify similar interests, and simply enjoy the moment. When you take the pressure off yourself, you’ll find it a lot easier to engage, connect, and have a good time. 

Exposure Therapy

Sometimes, the best way to deal with an emotional challenge like social anxiety is to face it head-on. While you don’t want to push yourself too soon, start exposing yourself to different social scenes. Go out to a local bar for lunch and talk with the bartender or other patrons, host a small gathering at your place and invite a few people you’d like to get to know better, or accept the next invite you get from a friend or relative to attend a local event. Having someone next to you that you know, and trust can make getting past the anxiety a lot easier. 

Lots of people get nervous or fearful in social settings. However, if your fears or anxieties go beyond the norm, you could be suffering from social anxiety. The best thing you can do to overcome this often crippling condition is to assess and challenge anxious thoughts, develop a healthy lifestyle, learn how to take the focus off yourself, and expose yourself. Although it can take time to reach the level of confidence and comfort you’d like, these suggestions can make the journey easier to manage. If you find that you’re still experiencing emotional overwhelm, you should always consult a doctor or therapist for further advice.