Addressing Social Anxiety During The Holidays
Social phobia, also known as social anxiety, is a disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in common social situations, and it affects millions of people. These feelings may be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, or by factors such as low self-esteem, past rejection by peers, poor social skills, a history of public embarrassment, or even just shyness. Those with social phobia have a persistent, intense and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and of being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions.
The good news is that there are ways to treat social anxiety. Exposure therapy can slowly introduce you to the specific situations you fear. Hypnotherapy can give you a sense of what it feels like to be relaxed and open. To attempt to improve the anxiety you feel in social situations, consider the following:
- Avoid coffee and other forms of caffeine; it is a stimulant that can heighten anxiety. Opt instead for herbal or calming teas.
- Practice breathing exercises, an effective relaxation technique. Also consider the regular use of a guided meditation app.
- Consider passionflower: a mild stress-relieving herb that can bring a sense of calmness without sedation. The recommended dosage is one dropperful of a tincture in a little warm water, or two capsules of the extract, up to four times a day as needed.
- Take a B vitamin complex and magnesium, which are sometimes helpful in dealing with the symptoms of anxiety.
Add to social anxiety issues this year, the concerns around virus exposure and social distancing in gatherings and it can be a recipe for added stress. Consider taking long walks in nature, reading a good book, and practicing some form of meditation to support your best mental health.
Learn more: Addressing Anxiety Symptoms Naturally
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