I can openly admit that I am the most tense, awkward, and quiet person when it comes to large social situations. It’s something I try to work on, however it truly haunts the introvert inside of me when I look back at how horribly I handled the situations. Whether its meeting new people, or having small talks in a casual social scene, I tend to close up and become easily anxious and overwhelmed. Like I said, I am slowly working on it! Here are some tips I’ve put together that keep me sane.
1. IT’S NOT A BIG DEAL.
For some odd reason, when I meet friends of friends, the anxiety builds up inside me and I want to make a good impression so badly that it freaks me out! No one is going assume you’re nervous or anxious to begin with! Enter with a positive outlook and set it off on a good note. Sometimes we expand things so large in our minds that it becomes this huge cloud that consumes your true intentions and emotions. Don’t go into it thinking it’s a chance to make an impression, view it as a possibility to meet new faces and learn from them. Relax, take a deep breath, and stop overthinking.
2. I REPEAT, STOP OVERTHINKING.
This one is killer! I am the crazy of crazies. I overthink to the point where it stops me from doing things. I overthink to the point where I completely close up and become a mute. Sucks, I know! Haha. If you are just as nervous in social situations, you have to take the chance and be completely open to listening to others and vibing out. Stop worrying about what others might think or say about you, stop caring if your nervous habits are weird or noticeable. Instead, focus on the people you are with, be attentive and listen to what they have to say. Ask questions, be interested. Even if you’re not! Make this your goal, instead of worrying so heavily on what others are going to think about you.
3. FACE YOUR FEARS
So you’re there, in the pit of it. You are in this group of people, you’re listening to side conversations about their new jobs…moving house…that new Korean spot down the street. YOU ARE THERE TOO. You are a part of it! Join in. Even if you feel like you have absolutely no relation or common interests. As a huge introvert who gets easily overwhelmed, it’s a strange but recurring feeling to feel invisible, not present, or almost existential in large social settings. You have to hold on to that string that’s keeping you from floating up into your thoughts, and tug it back down into reality. You are a part of the conversation, you are a part of the setting. Include as much of yourself and personality as you can… and eventually you will face your fears.
I hope you enjoyed my quick tips on how to deal with feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed in seemingly large social settings. This is something I struggle with working on and truly envy those who are social butterflies. All you butterflies out there…
As always, thanks for stopping by.
Rachaelle