Life Hacks: Strategies I Use to Overcome My Social Anxiety

For most neurotypical people, the idea of being overwhelmed by a room full of strangers seems odd and unlikely. However, if you are like me, tepping into an unfamiliar space crowded with people you don’t know can cause you to freeze like a deer in headlights. Instead of being where you should be, you’re still stuck in your car, where your mind is coming up with excuses like, “Maybe there will be fewer people if I come back another day.” to manipulate yourself to just go home, no matter how determined you are to step outside your comfort zone.

I’ve always struggled with this,

To this day, I’ve never understood how some people find social situations energizing. While I admire how they come alive in a crowd, I often find myself in a corner, feeling a mix of anxiety, irritation, and a deep desire to retreat home to watch a horror movie like The Exorcist.

Socialization is essential for leading a healthy life. Depending on your definition of a healthy social life, a close circle of people with whom you genuinely connect with may be enough for your fulfillment. However, if you want to broaden your horizons and expand your list of friends, here are some strategies I use to help myself feel more comfortable in spaces where I normally wouldn’t.

Listening to My Favorite Music

There’s nothing like putting on some of your favorite songs to set the right mood for your day. I’ve found it helpful to match my music to the event I’m heading to—it makes it easier to blend in and feel comfortable with the crowd. For example, if I’m going to the gym, I’ll listen to rap or rock songs to keep my motivation up. If I’m attending a more upbeat event, I’ll play a Y2K mix or some Whitney Houston to boost my confidence. Similarly, if I have a meeting with a client, Rihanna and Beyoncé pumps me up ignite my "girl-boss" attitude.

Wherever you are going, using your favorite tunes can help you bury your worries and set yourself up for success.

Eating Something Sour

Often, our mindset is the biggest obstacle to change. I’ve found that eating something sour can interrupt negative thoughts and gently retrain your brain not to dwell on them. I use this trick whenever I start to feel down, and it helps me snap out of a negative mindset.