Dating for most people starts in their teen years, making it easy when they grow older to handle dating very well. They learn what to expect from their partners and be able to judge if they are compatible early in their relationships. For those who missed this chance anxiety disorder creeps in and it may interfere with their dates. This is where someone looks for a partner who seems to make sense in a way that you can understand. It might seem to work for you until reality hits you that you are lonely and you need to do something about it.
The hardest thing to deal with when you have social anxiety is dating or being in a relationship. Here are a few strategies to apply when dating if you suffer from social anxiety. Some of these strategies will involve challenging your fears, but you realize it is easy. The best part is social anxiety can be cured.
Tip 1: Exercise
It may sound boring though it is important and effective. Exercise releases endorphins chemicals which relaxes the body and improves the mood. It also lessens severe anxiety symptoms and improves self confidence. This makes you feel better about yourself and your presentation; it ultimately makes it easier for you to talk with others.
Tip 2: Find Smaller Meeting Groups
Social anxiety is can escalate when in social places such as clubs or parties. The stress in these places causes the anxiety levels to escalate. Look for small social groups to interact with. Look for groups of 5 people at most and join them even though in such groups there is limited interaction; but it is easier to introduce yourself and interact easily.
Tip 3: When anxiety attacks don’t be shy
If one feels embarrassed they can have an anxiety attack. Most people think that it is not right to let the other person know that you are anxious but it is good and advisable to let them know. As you share it do not be embarrassed, but let it be simple, just to get it out of your head. From that point on, you will be at ease for the rest of the time.
Tip 4: Practice without expectations
The only reason it is said that relationships start when you stop looking is because when you are looking for a relationship you focus too much on them putting much pressure on the relationship to work. These means you have to learn how to be in a relationship without any expectations; this will go a long way to ensure that you do not pressurize anyone to be in a relationship that they do not want to be in.
Tip 5: Start Strong
If you are attending any event definitely you will be meeting new people. Walk up to the people you meet and introduce yourself. Talk to as many people as you can this means you started strong. If you get to an event and wait, you will grow anxious, which can be worse anytime.
Panic attacks are more likely to happen when you experience social anxiety. So how do you deal with it when it happens?
Tip 6: Get a friend
Studies show that spending time or bluntly dragging your best friend to along to social events lessens chances of an anxiety attack from attacking. This is a good start because you are together then later split to meet other people.
Tip 7: Do not let a panic attack stop you
A panic attack shouldn’t stop you from doing what you were doing. This is hard to keep at a social event after an attack, nevertheless you must overcome it. So before you attend a social event be expecting an attack and have your mind made that you will not be leaving the event because of an attack. Leaving after a panic attack reinforces in your psychology that you cannot attend social events and this will keep you away from such events for a long time.
Tip 8: Breathe in breath out
The most severe symptom of social anxiety is hyperventilation. This means that you breathe too quickly, but it is not due lack of oxygen, it is because of excess oxygen and less carbon dioxide. Hyperventilation causes one to experience chest pains, feel lightheaded, and have rapid thoughts, difficulties in breathing and overall body weakness. This is the main reason you should know how to control your breathing and control an attack. Breathe in through the nose for about 5 seconds, then hold your breath for 3 seconds and whistle the air out for 7 seconds. Repeat this until the symptoms of hyperventilation subside.
Tip 9: Avoid being idle after dates
The biggest enemy of man is his mind. Anxiety is not about fear only it changes your way of thinking to negative thinking. Keep your mind busy with other things to avoid negative thoughts. These thoughts, leave you doubting if you did well on your part during the date. Such thoughts will lower your self esteem and affect future dates you might have.
