You’ve heard it before but I will say it again – practice makes perfect. This is especially true for social phobia. If we want to eventually reduce our social anxiety, we need to expose ourselves to the very things that make us anxious. We need to take deliberate steps to meet people, try new things, and take risks if we are going to reduce our social anxiety. The good news is, this CAN be fun! Check out these 9 ideas below and make an effort to schedule at least one activity to get out of your shell this week:
- Taking cooking classes; Asian, Mexican, Italian, or American cuisine. You might also find speciality classes that focus on foods for other areas of your health, including classes that are aimed at gluten-free diets or or those with ADHD.
- Find your family roots through genealogy research. Some cities and counties offer a genealogical society. They offer free resources for you to use and many have classes available to teach you how to search for your ancestors. Then, connect with others and explore your results together!
- Heading to the park with a good book will help you escape to another world; find a heroine or superhero. Or take a journal where you can write your thoughts down to reflect on them at a later date. Take note of how far you’ve come and feel proud of all that you’ve accomplished. Except for this time- invite someone new to join you.
- Mindfulness can help you control your symptoms of anxiety, which in turn helps you relax. Try finding an outdoor space that’s quiet and focus on your surroundings; pay close attention to what you hear, smell, and see. Know a friend who practices yoga regularly? Why not ask them to join you for a class.
- Painting and drawing landscapes can promote peace within yourself. When you’re finished painting or drawing your portrait hang it on a wall in your home, so you can admire all of your hard work. There are plenty of group classes where you can bring your own friends, or meet new ones there!
- Planting your own flower, fruit, or vegetable garden can give you a sense of self-gratification and provide you, as well as your family, with fresh healthy foods to eat. Many cities have community gardens where you can meet others while giving back at the same time.
- Spending time with old friends is important, too. They can be a great source of support when you’re going through a rough patch. It helps them understand your experiences with anxiety and possibly by opening up and talking about your anxiety with them, they can also identify with the anxiety they too experience in their lives.
- While outdoors take a moment and pay attention to the various smells associated with each season, such as; spring’s flowers, summer’s freshly mown grass, fall’s leaves, and winter’s crisp air. This can be soothing and give you a great outlook on life. If you’re feeling really anxious, even just a short walk with someone you know well can help soothe your nerves. As you take your first step through your door, appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. Looking at the flowers, grass, sky, butterflies, and animals is awe-inspiring and uplifting.
- Take a sewing class; you can make a stuffed animal or doll-which can be soothing. Create fun clothes or an outfit for your pet! This may provide you with something to do while you start making very small talk with others. Slowly but surely, you will grow out of your shell and reduce your social anxiety with more practice.
By: Melissa Swaney, Anxiety In Teens Contributor