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I'm in the process of working on a short 4-part course to help you leave Social Anxiety at home post-social-distancing because let's face it, we're now more anxious than ever!
I don't know about you, but I'm feeling awkward with every encounter I have these days.
I'm constantly overthinking each interaction as it happens. My highly sensitive nature and the INFJ in me is on high alert every time I walk out of the house.
- Am I staying far enough from this person?
- Am I following the right protocols for this store? (WHY ARE THERE NO ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS!)
- Are they getting uncomfortable standing around me too long?
- Omg, I'm about to sneeze, what do I do?!
My social anxiety is starting to ramp up. Thank goodness I don't have any more video calls to deal with, otherwise, I'd have a mental breakdown.
But, there is one thing I've been telling myself lately that has helped me cope with all of this better:
Preparing for the awkwardness ahead of time.
See, whenever I find myself in a conversation (with anyone these days) and the awkwardness creeps in, I start doubting myself. I start fidgeting in uncomfortableness and I stop being present. I hide away in the recesses of my own mind and try to find quick fixes to the weirdness that's escalating.
BUT.
When I tell myself that things will be 100% awkward (usually right before I leave my house to go somewhere where there are people), I'm more at ease and kinder to myself when a situation arises.
I find that preparing myself for the awkwardness that's to come makes it easier to deal with. I allow myself to feel the feelings and to ride the waves as they come, instead of trying to figure out a way out of it.
It's a slight shift in mindset but it helps tremendously.
Go ahead, welcome the awkwardness and you'll feel so much better!
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