<ol><li>Practice act of kindness</li><li>Take small steps</li><li>Try relaxation methods</li><li>Identify specific situations that trigger anxiety</li><li>Accept and appreciate yourself</li><li>Practice Self-Care</li><li>Talk with a therapist</li></ol>

How to beat social anxiety

These tips will guide your way out of social anxiety. Take care and love yourself!

If you suffer with social anxiety, you can still rise above life's challenges. Here is a list of things to start doing now to make positive changes.

Understand yourself and those around you.

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Social anxiety activities are those things you can do to challenge your anxiety. ​<a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/social-anxiety-disorder-4157220">Social anxiety disorder (SAD) </a> is estimated to affect around 12% of the population at some point in their lives.1  People with SAD suffer in all areas of their lives; they have trouble making friends and maintaining friendships, finding life partners, finding work and building a career, and even getting through the mundane aspects of daily life.

Social anxiety disorder can be seriously debilitating, and the best treatment approach involves combining <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-is-cbt-used-to-treat-sad-3024945">cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) </a> and/or medication (such as <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-are-ssris-used-in-social-anxiety-disorder-treatment-3024947">SSRIs </a>). But there is much that can be done through self-help to overcome social anxiety.2

<a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/coping-with-social-anxiety-disorder-3024836">Self-help strategies </a> often draw on the effective components of more traditional treatment approaches. For example, self-help might incorporate aspects of relaxation, thought reprogramming, and exposure to feared situations.

If you suffer from mild to moderate social anxiety, you might just feel like you are in a rut most of the time. What is the best way to <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-get-out-of-a-rut-4172608">get out of a rut </a>? Do something.

Although it can be tempting to <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-avoidance-behaviors-3024312">avoid </a>social and performance situations if you suffer from social anxiety disorder (SAD), it is important to get yourself out there. That means accepting invitations to go places and <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-not-to-care-20-silly-things-to-do-in-public-3973935">do things that make you uncomfortable </a>. At the same time, you need to prepare yourself to properly handle being out there.

Don't wait until tomorrow or next week or the next time you are in crisis. Make an appointment today to see someone. If you are too embarrassed to <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-talk-to-your-doctor-about-social-anxiety-3024433">call your doctor </a>, consider contacting a mental health helpline such as the one offered by the <a href="http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=Helpline">National Alliance on Mental Illness </a>to get you started. You might find talking to an anonymous stranger less intimidating and it could eventually lead to receiving the help you need. Just take the first step.

If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, contact the <a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline">Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline </a>at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/national-helpline-database-4799696">National Helpline Database </a>.

Keep a daily journal so that you can see how much you have improved. Writing about your thoughts and experiences will also help you recognize when you are falling back into old habits and negative-thinking patterns.3 ﻿

Do everything in your power to ensure that poor physical health is not contributing to your problems with anxiety. Exercise on a regular basis (including cardiovascular exercise and weight training) and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Do your best to stay away from alcohol.4 ﻿ Drink <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-is-chamomile-used-for-social-anxiety-3024966">chamomile </a>tea to soothe your nerves.

If you do not already exercise regularly, start planning a program for yourself today. Exercise not only increases feelings of well-being and reduces anxiety,5 ﻿ but if done in the company of others it offers the chance to build up your social skills in a relatively non-threatening environment.

​If you don't have the resources or the time to join a gym or participate in regular exercise classes, there is still lots that you can do. Consider taking up walking or running or <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/the-benefits-of-yoga-for-stress-management-3145205">practice yoga at home </a>.

It isn't enough to have vague goals about what you want to achieve. Whether you want to overcome symptoms of social anxiety or become an Academy Award-winning actress, it is important to put your goals down on paper. This makes them real and measurable.

Part of goal setting involves deciding where you want to end up, but it also involves learning and setting a benchmark of where you are now. One way to do this is by taking some self-assessment quizzes to see how you score in terms of social anxiety (the <a href="http://www.socialanxietysupport.com/disorder/liebowitz/">Liebowitz scale </a> is a good one to try).

Then down the road, after you have started to get yourself out of the rut, you can take the quiz again and see if your scores have improved. Remember not to compare yourself to others in terms of social success; compare yourself to how you were doing one week, one month, or one year ago.

You might not be a confident public speaker, but there are a lot of things in your life to be proud of. Recognize that you face more challenges than others and that you should feel good about the small accomplishments in your life. Some days you can even feel proud that you made it out of the house. Build on small achievements and you will feel better about yourself.

Nobody else is going to look out for you the way you can look out for yourself. Gather knowledge about SAD so that you can make better decisions. Ask for accommodations at work and school if you feel they will help you. Guide others toward better understanding of the struggles you face. Take time out at parties if you feel the need. Nobody else knows what it is like to be you.

Retail therapy is obviously no cure for social anxiety, but sometimes clothing really can make you feel like a new person with <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/attitudes-how-they-form-change-shape-behavior-2795897">a new attitude </a>. Try to get yourself out of a rut by purchasing something outside your comfort zone. Choose a unique accent piece both to try something new and to give others a conversation starter when they first meet you.

Some people with SAD are also natural introverts; this means that they recharge their emotional batteries by spending time alone instead of in the company of others. Choosing to take time alone to gather your thoughts (rather than because of fear) is a healthy, self-aware choice.

Perhaps you have gotten into a rut of saying "No" to everything. Instead, why not start saying "Yes?" If you are invited to do something social, try to make a habit out of accepting the invitation. Although you might feel anxious at first, over time the more you do, the less fearful you will become. The next time an invitation crosses your desk or someone at work asks you to join the group for a coffee break, make an effort to go.

Are you a pushover? Do others make unrealistic demands on your time or treat you poorly, but you feel powerless to stand up for yourself?6 ﻿ This is a time to learn how better to say "No" and how to be more <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-can-i-be-more-assertive-when-i-have-social-anxiety-3024311">assertive </a>. You don't have to go along with everything that everyone wants, and if you don't clearly communicate what you want and need, others are left guessing what you are thinking or how you feel.

Assertiveness is not about aggressively going after what you want; it is being clear about what you need from others in order to be satisfied.

Perfectionism and social anxiety often go hand in hand.7 ﻿ Everything that you say and everything you do doesn't have to be perfect. Make a point of being imperfect and taking chances for a day.

As simple as it sounds, sometimes we all just need a change of scenery. If you are really stuck in a socially anxious mindset, try taking off for a weekend to a new locale, even if it is a solo trip. Soak up some of the local cultures, and immerse yourself in a different pace.

Choose either a motivational story or a <a href="https://www.aboutsocialanxiety.com/social-anxiety-books/">social anxiety book for self-help </a>. Read everything you can get your hands on about social anxiety and how to improve. Read true stories about other people who have been there. Read motivational books about life in general. Educating yourself will never hurt, and it might give you the insight or inspiration that you need to make changes in your life.2 ﻿

Chances are your thoughts and feelings have become so automatic you don't even realize what runs through your head on a daily basis.2 ﻿ Slow down, take the time to focus on the present, and examine the thoughts that pass through your mind; especially the <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-stop-thinking-negatively-3024830">negative ones </a>.

Be careful about your reasons for wanting to change. If daily life is painful, that is a reason to get a handle on social anxiety. However, if you just want to impress your friends on Facebook or in real life with your social skills and popularity, the changes you make won't last.

Perhaps you envision some point in the future when you can conquer your fears. Maybe when you are older, have more money to pay for therapy, or when you are feeling stronger.

The reality is that there is never a better time than now. Stop procrastinating and start your journey of change today.

It isn't going to be much fun getting out of a rut if you never reward yourself for your efforts. Choose something that you know will be rewarding for you, and indulge when you have made changes in your life; be it daily, weekly, monthly or yearly. Ideas might include a special meal, new novel, or even a vacation you have dreamt of.

Sometimes we can get caught up thinking that the changes that we need to make to get out of a rut need to be big. Make one little change and see if it has ripple effects in your life.

The change could be as small as watching the news every evening to keep up on current events and have more to say during small talk.

If you really feel like trying something medicinal, but aren't yet ready to broach the topic of medication with your doctor or psychiatrist, consider trying an herbal supplement from your drug store.

There are many herbal supplements that are used in managing anxiety;8 however, it is important to know that <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/herbal-supplements-for-panic-disorder-2584299">herbal supplements </a> are not regulated by the United States Food & Drug Administration the same way that traditional medications are evaluated. Be sure to read about any cautions, warnings or medication interactions before taking an herbal supplement.

Are you working at a job that doesn't make use of your skills and talents? Have you always taken the "safe" route because of your social anxiety? Try breaking out of a rut by leaving your safe zone and taking on those challenges that help you grow as a person.

Accept the promotion at work, go back to school for a new career, or start your own business. Follow your passion and your dreams and don't let social anxiety stand in your way.

Though you may have been dealt a bad hand when it comes to having social anxiety, there is probably much in your life to be thankful for. Take the time to express gratitude for what you do have.

Make sure you are getting enough sleep; lack of rest can cause you to feel less than your best and exacerbate anxiety.9 ﻿

Sometimes <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/talk-people-social-anxiety-disorder-3024390">people with social anxiety </a>spend so much time worrying and fretting that they forget to laugh and have fun. When was the last time you watched a funny movie that made you laugh out loud? Who was the last person that made you chuckle? Try to bring more laughter into your life. If you aren't having fun, what is the point?

The key to getting out of a rut is to act; not think about why things won't work. Try to make some of the changes on this list and observe the outcome. Never dismiss an idea because you think that "it won't work for me."10 ﻿

Being outdoors has a natural calming effect.11 ﻿ If you work indoors or spend most of your time indoors, try getting outside more often. Break up your routine with a walk through the park whenever you can.

If you suffer from social anxiety, make sure that you are eating a balanced diet and avoiding sugar12 ﻿ and alcohol as much as possible.

A poor diet can wreak havoc with your brain chemistry and leave you feeling sluggish and worn down. <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-effects-of-caffeine-on-the-brain-21842">Too much caffeine </a> and sugar can also increase feelings of anxiety.

<a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/interview-with-jamie-blyth-3024307">Former anxiety sufferer Jamie Blyth </a>included motivational quotes as part of his personalized self-improvement plan. Sign up for a motivational quote news feed on Facebook or visit a motivational blog daily.

You may not have been born with the gift of gab, but you can improve on the skills that you have.13 ﻿ Practice how to <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-introduce-people-3024379">make introductions </a>, make better <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-do-i-maintain-good-eye-contact-3024392">eye contact </a>, remember names, and <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-do-i-give-compliments-3024395">give compliments </a>.

Whether you have conquered social anxiety or you are right in the midst of it, your experiences are valuable and should be shared with others. Sharing your story will help others realize that they are not alone, and will also bring more awareness to a problem that is mostly kept behind closed doors.

Whether you join a brick-and-mortar support group or an <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/social-anxiety-support-groups-3024876">online group </a>, you will find the company of others who understand what you are going through comforting.14 ﻿ Make the most of your time with the group; be encouraging and look for ways to help others. Your acts of kindness will be paid back to you.

Everyone who speaks in public gets a little nervous. One of the best antidotes for <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/public-speaking-anxiety-how-to-prepare-for-a-speech-3024403">anxiety about public speaking </a> is to simply acknowledge how you are feeling before you begin.

In many settings it is completely acceptable to start off your speech with a laugh and a comment such as "Forgive me if I stumble over my words, I just get a little nervous speaking in public." Immediately you are helping yourself out of the rut of slipping into a <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/types-of-panic-attacks-2584251">panic attack </a> while speaking. Others will also be more forgiving than you might think.

You don't have to become a social butterfly to overcome social anxiety; be comfortable being who you are.

Do you follow the same routine every week? Visit the same grocery store, same gas station, eat at the same restaurant, or walk the same block?

Try breaking out of your routine by going somewhere new. Not only will your challenge your social anxiety about new surroundings, but you might discover you have been missing out on some great aspect of your neighborhood.

If you have a <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-do-i-get-over-my-fear-of-public-speaking-3024827">significant fear of public speaking </a>, make a point of joining Toastmasters International... today! This group has helped people around the globe improve <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/public-speaking-skills-3024308">public speaking skills </a> and <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/tips-for-managing-public-speaking-anxiety-3024336">overcome speech anxiety </a>. Best of all, the group provides feedback for each other, so it is a great chance to meet people and make new friends.

Try on a different way of looking at yourself. You are more than your social anxiety. It doesn't define who you are.

Try something totally off-the-wall like a hot air balloon ride or a zip-line adventure. Lose yourself in an exciting adventure and forget about your social anxiety. Best of all, the next time someone asks you what you do for fun, you will have a great story to tell.

Being positive is contagious. If you have a habit of seeing the world through a negative lens (which most people with SAD tend to do), try becoming an optimist, if only for a day at first. Replace any negative thoughts with more positive alternatives.15 ﻿ See if that doesn't help you start to climb out of your rut.

If at all possible, try to spend more time with positive people; people who love you, believe in you, and see the beauty in who you are despite your social anxiety.

Spending time with these people will make you feel good and help you to weather any rough times as you try to make changes in your life.

You may stay in your rut forever if nobody knows you are trying to move past your social anxiety and you are not accountable to anyone. Choose someone you trust (it could even be an online friend), and tell them about your plans to make changes in your life.

Things to Start Doing If You Have Social Anxiety Disorder

How to beat social anxiety

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