Are you anxious that after two years, you’ll be required to leave your comfort zone and go between people? You’re not alone if you feel out of practice socializing after a few years of social isolation. It’s very acceptable to feel more nervous than usual while leaving the house to socialize, just as it’s also natural to feel overwhelmed in crowds. If your uncomfortable sensations continue and give you significant distress, you may have a social anxiety

What is social anxiety?

The dread of what other people think of you is known as social anxiety. It is frequently accompanied by a fear of being judged, criticized, or misunderstood by others. Fear of doing something unpleasant or inappropriate in front of others can count as social anxiety as well.  Nervousness, self-consciousness, uneasiness in the presence of others or the desire to ignore social events and get-togethers and similar things to these count as social anxiety. 

If you have these symptoms or qualities, there are some recommendations listed below to help you feel better and go back to your routine.

1.  Breathing exercise

It’s crucial to recognize the warning symptoms of anxiety flare-ups so you can take action, this may include your body feeling tense and your mind feeling cluttered. Your body, particularly your lungs, can assist you. Breathing exercises can aid with anxiety management. Consistent breathing affects your heart rate and, as a result, your emotions. Your heart will slow down in time with your breathing, and so will your mind and emotions.

2.      Share with others

Anxiety is amplified when it is hidden or suppressed. The most beneficial step is to tell your friends and family about your experience, or even to chat about it with someone else you trust. Many people are embarrassed by their anxiety and are hesitant to talk about it. However, it’s crucial to remember that virtually everyone will have mental health challenges at some point in their lives, so the more you share, the more you’ll be able to get out of your head and can even relate to others’ problems. 

3.  Diverting your mind

Anxiety has a way of catching your attention and directing it inward on yourself, making you not just self-critical but also immediately aware of how your heartbeat has escalated swiftly without your consent. Rather than worrying about what to say next, try to focus your attention on what you’re doing. For example, if you’re conversing with someone, try to pay attention to what they’re saying.

4.  Confront your fears

Keeping yourself out of social situations will help you feel better at the time. But this is merely a temporary fix that will prevent you from learning how to deal with and cause you to avoid social settings in the future. As difficult as it may seem, confronting your concerns in minor ways will allow you to progress to more difficult situations and will teach you coping strategies. If meeting new people makes you nervous, start by attending a party with a companion. You can then go to the next phase of making an introduction to a new individual. Recognize that saying no will always result in the same outcome. 

5.      Do not attempt to be perfect

When we live in a world that strives for perfection, it’s easy to forget that no one is flawless. It’s also easy to forget that not everyone is going to like us and that they don’t have to. It’s also easy to forget that making errors is part of what makes us human.

The tips listed above will assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It may take some time to adapt to the new normal, but if you follow these recommendations, you will be able to fit in much more quickly. It will take time to adjust, but it will happen, and you should not lose hope. After all, as mentioned in advice number five, don’t try to be flawless because making mistakes is a natural part of being human.