Tips For Social Anxiety

                                    

                                          
This will be a different chapter from normal, if you wouldn't like to read for any reason, I completely understand.
                          
So I've noticed that more people have social anxiety, including me. I think it's because I'm ugly, but that's besides the point. Anyway, remember how I mentioned in my 'Comfort from Author' chapter that I would do this every once in a while.
                          
PART TWO IS HERE.
                          
Also, sorry that I haven't been posting requests, I've been working on them while writing the ones I am publishing. SO DO NOT WORRY.
                          
But, my friends, today is not about my laziness, or my procrastination. Today is about helping you feel less anxious in social situations.
                          
DISCLAIMER: This will not follow medical advice because of me not being a psychologist or your healthcare provider.  If social anxiety worsens, please speak to your healthcare provider. Results may vary because of me NOT being a healthcare professional.
                          
1. Carry/Wear something you can play with.
                          
I do this by always wearing some jewelry, usually a necklace. It helps me focus on playing with on the situation at hand. If you can't wear jewelry for any reason, have your phone and play with it in between your fingers. 
                          
2. If in a public situation, go to a more secluded place.
                          
Let's say you are at a family dinner and your social anxiety is rising by the second. Excusing yourself in the bathroom, breathe into a jacket or a towel. Take slow, deep breaths to clear your head.
                          
3. If allowed, carry a hoodie or a sweater.
                          
Sounds stupid, I know. But as someone who wears a lot of long sleeves, this has helped me. First, wear a hoodie that will make you blend in with the crowd. I don't mean all black; I mean colors that are common or designs that are common, and those you like. You couldn't see me dead with a Patriots hoodie on.
                          
Anyway, you can also fiddle with the sleeves and hide yourself in the hoodie. 
                          
4. If there is an animal that you can play with, play with it. 
                          
Don't do this where a policeman is being honored or something like that only because there are animals there, they are on the job. I mean at a wedding or a party, if there is a dog welcome to play, by all means, play with it to your heart's content.
                          
That's all I really do to keep my social anxiety in check. I know some have it worse than I do, because I don't like to socialize and often avoid it whenever I can. But I hope these will help in any way. ❤