As a case example introvert I have struggled my fair share with Social Anxiety, to the extent that I'd have panic attacks just going to the grocery store. So if you're dealing with social anxiety yourself, I understand what you're going through. People with social anxiety often feel like they are constantly under scrutiny, and they may be so worried about what others think of them that they find it difficult to do anything in public. This can lead to a feeling of isolation and loneliness, as well as a lack of confidence.

But over the years I have come to learn that social anxiety does not have to control your life. There are many tools and strategies that can help you overcome your fears and live a happy, fulfilling life. Here are five of the best:‍

1. Learn about social anxiety: Educating yourself about social anxiety is the first step to finding ways to manage it. Understanding how your thoughts and feelings contribute to your anxiety will help you develop strategies that work for you. Learning more can also help reduce the stigma around mental health conditions like social anxiety, so you’ll feel less alone in what you’re going through. Learning has been the single most important aspect of my journey in dealing with social anxiety. ‍

2. Practice deep breathing: Deep breathing can be a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. Taking a few moments to focus on your breath and breathe deeply can help relax your body and mind, allowing you to approach situations with greater confidence. For a more practical guided place to start, I recommend the Wim Hof Method. It's a combination of breathing, meditation and cold exposure.

Now, I understand that you might feel uncomfortable with this as it might feel too spiritual or goofy. And to be honest it will probably feel that way in practice too if you don't commit to it 100% when trying it. But the key point here is to find a practice that suits you, maybe yoga feels better? Maybe martial arts?‍

3. Get out of your comfort zone: Stepping outside of your comfort zone can be intimidating, but it’s also essential for overcoming social anxiety. Trying new things and meeting new people can help you gain confidence in yourself and your abilities, which can reduce the fear of being judged or criticized. Once again to me, this is all about finding an appropriate environment that works for you. What helps me is being in a forum where I feel most at home, for example, I love music in all its shapes and forms therefore that is an arena for me where I can relate very easily and talk very freely. For you, it might be something else. The point is just to find an environment where you feel good and can isolate your social challenges as much as possible. It will help you take off some of that sharp edge and enable you to go step-by-step towards a more social life.‍

4. Prioritize self-care: Taking care of yourself is important in managing stress and anxiety. Make sure to schedule regular time for relaxation and make sure you're getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy food. All of these things will help you build your resilience and give you the energy to face social situations with more confidence.‍

5. Seek professional help: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor. A trained mental health professional can help you develop strategies that are tailored to you and your unique situation. They can also provide support and understanding of what you're going through. If you've never spoken to a therapist before, remember that they are human as well... Meaning you'll have to find one that you like and feel comfortable with. Test out a single session with numerous different therapists to find one that you could see yourself talking to eventually.

To summarize, social anxiety shouldn't stop you from living your life to the fullest. By understanding more about social anxiety, learning helpful strategies for managing stress and anxiety, stepping outside of your comfort zone, prioritizing self-care, and seeking professional help if needed, you can gain control over your social anxiety and live an enjoyable life.