Managing Social Anxiety During Holiday Events
While the holiday season can be a wonderful time to connect and celebrate with friends and family, it can also be overwhelming for individuals who struggle with social anxiety. The pressure to socialize and navigate difficult conversations with those we love--or don't love--can make this time of year stressful for many. But with the right strategies, you can overcome these challenging times and enjoy the connection with others, even for those managing social obstacles. At Real Talk Counseling of Charlotte, North Carolina, we understand that many of our clients need help learning how to manage social anxiety during holiday events, which is why we have put together this helpful guide to getting through large gatherings and ensure you are comfortable and at ease through it all!
How to manage social anxiety during holiday events
Our counselors at Real Talk Counseling regularly work with professionals who are struggling with managing social interactions in the workplace--and at special holiday events. Whether you are a powerful business owner or a stay-at-home mom, we can assist in getting through this time of year while managing anxiety, nervousness, or even uncomfortable situations that can arise. Below are just a few tips our counselors may suggest:
Have realistic expectations when attending social events. It is not unusual to have family quarrels, strange pauses in the conversation, or uncomfortable political discussions with those around us at holiday events. It is critical that you avoid trying to "people please" and go in with lower expectations to ensure you can navigate whatever comes your way.
Stay calm. Ground yourself to the event by taking just a minute or two to focus on the music in the room, the warmth of the drink in your hand, or the smell of the food. Breathe in slowly, hold your breath, and exhale along with the 4-4-4 breathing exercises to calm yourself if you become anxious.
Prepare for the challenges of managing conversations with others. Whether you're talking to a long-time friend, a family member you haven't seen for a while, or a complete stranger, being prepared for conversation is the best way to get through the night. Think about conversations you are willing to have and those you are not. Set boundaries and redirect yourself if uncomfortable situations arise. Also, if you are struggling with maintaining a conversation with someone, start asking questions to put the burden on them to continue talking, not yourself.
Know your limitations. Take breaks from socializing to avoid it becoming overwhelming. Step outside for a few minutes to get a breath of fresh air and calm your mind, and have an exit strategy if you find yourself becoming too uncomfortable and need to leave. Be sure to let the host know that you might not be able to stay the whole night, but thank them for understanding and for the invitation to their event.
Be mindful of alcohol consumption. It is not unusual for some individuals to enjoy a glass of wine or whisky to take the edge off, and there is often nothing wrong with reaching for a little "liquid courage." However, too much alcohol can lead to some serious regrets, so keep your drinking in line. Pace yourself and have a glass of water between beverages to ensure you do not overindulge and cause incidents that might later lead to regret or shame.
Connect with a counselor that can guide you through the holiday stress!
It can be challenging for anyone to cope with issues such as social anxiety during the holiday season, but having a counselor you can trust to guide you through these situations will help in the long run! We invite you to call Real Talk Counseling to start building a trusting relationship with one of our professionals to improve your quality of life--even with social anxiety! Call (980) 939-0991 or complete this form to request a visit at our office in Charlotte, North Carolina at 2128 McClintock Road.
