A Simple Way of Handling Social Anxiety
Everyone suffers from stress and anxiety. You're not alone in this endeavor. Stress is the response to a threat or situation, while anxiety is a reaction to stress. (1) If we work on how we handle stress, we can decrease the effects of anxiety.
Specifically, let's focus on social anxiety.
Men suffer from loneliness at a signifcantly higher rate than women. Men have been raised to believe in solving their own problems, having idependence and also living with stoicism. Due to these beliefs, men do not form emotional connections with other people except for their partner. If they have a bad relationship with their partner or the relationship ends, it becomes difficult on the man to form a new relationship.
So, how can we work through the social anxiety and decrease the loneliness that is plaguing men?
Start small and start simple.
Think of a situation that feels like a 10 on the difficulty scale. Don't do that one, yet. Just like everything in life, we don't start with the most difficult thing, but build up to it by doing more managable things.
Now that we know what the 10 or 10s are, let's find some 3s and 4s we can do first to build our confidence and slowly work our way up toward the 10.
If 10 is going on a date with someone, then a 3 or 4 might be going to a social setting and talking with someone new. Not to go on a date, but just converse or make a connection.
For a deeper conversation on this topic, checkout this week's episode with Chalres Perry here.
What tips do you have on how to handle anxiety?
This Week's Ask
Share this episode or message with someone who needs the reminder they are not alone. Remind someone that they can get through the difficult things by starting small and growing their confidence. Confidence comes from action, not the other way around.
Journal Prompt of the Week
"What elements of your childhood would you want your children to aslo experience?"
It's time to start living our ideal life. Choose to live, love & grow.
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