Social anxiety is rooted in a fear of what others think of you but what if all it took to rid yourself of angst was simply changing your focus?
Talking Points:
- The reason we feel anxious in social situations is because of the thoughts going through our brain. We wonder what everyone is thinking about us, and it causes us to be a nervous wreck.
- In the book “What Everybody Is Saying” by ex-FBI agent Joe Navarro, it teaches people how to read body language. This can be helpful to redirect the focus of those with social anxiety.
- Once you start noticing the behaviors of others in a social situation, you’ll realize they are not focused on you at all. Most people are in their own heads, thinking about themselves.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Do you suffer from social anxiety? What are your biggest triggers?
- Why is it helpful to remember that everyone is self conscious to some degree?
- What do you know about body language? How could reading other people’s non-verbal cues help you in a social situation?
- Do you have any other tips and tricks you use to calm anxiety?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?