Does shyness or Social anxiety make social situations difficult for you? Many people experience shyness and anxiousness when asked to do something in front of others. People who experience extreme anxiety and fear however during these situations are likely to have social phobia disorder.

This anxiety disorder affects people of all ages and develops from as young as infancy. Social anxiety disorder is very treatable and the success rate of therapy is high. Other options such as medication has limited effectiveness at treating social phobia although it can relieve symptoms.

Apart from treatment, applying self help techniques can help alleviate Social anxiety. Relaxation and visualization techniques can be highly effective especially when practiced regularly. When you vividly imagine something you’re nervous system reacts in the same way as when you’re actually doing it.

Imagination has more power over your emotions than most of us realize. Feelings of fear and anxiety symptoms can manifest from merely thinking about one’s phobia. The subconscious mind learns both positive and negative emotions and behaviors in the same way. When a person experiences something over and over again the brain makes a stronger connection.

Most professional sprinters imagine their race before it happens. Champion tennis players practice their swing over and over again in their heads. Through mental practice they improve their ability just like through normal practice. By using the imagination you can change your behavior. You can use it to overcome your social anxiety and boost self confidence.

Imagine that you’ve been asked to head the next meet. On finding out you become very anxious and you start imagining how embarrassed you will be on the day. You might experience anxiety symptoms such as hot flashes, sweats, trembling and a pounding heart. At the meeting you feel totally terrified, embarrassed and a complete wreck.

People with social anxiety self sabotage by thinking negative thoughts and imagine the worse that is going to happen. Using techniques such as positive visualizations and affirmations can help recondition old habits and behaviors. Routinely practicing these techniques will help conquer fears and anxieties.

Start practicing being confident and in control now. Sit down in a comfortable place with your eyes closed. Begin to breathe deeply and slowly, relaxing the muscles in your body. Imagine seeing yourself full of confidence and able to tackle any social situation. Visualize in detail the way you would speak and walk if you had this confidence. Imagine how others would respect and treat you.

Build this image and think about you living your life without Anxiety symptoms. Use that little voice at the back of the head to give you positive feedback. Tell yourself how confident and strong you are. Now, visualize the next presentation going beautifully right to the very end. See yourself in complete control and everybody giving you praise at the end.

Keep building on this image for at least 5 minutes and then open your eyes when you’re done. That felt great right? If you gave a presentation now would you feel as scared or embarrassed as usual? Practicing this everyday can do immense good. Part of putting on a great performance is acting. Even if you feel anxious and nervous, project confidence, no one has to know. If you can learn to project confidence, in time your subconscious will gradually make this state more habitual.

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