5 Tips to Conquer Your Social Anxiety at Big Events

Going to large events such as concerts, conventions, and conferences can be exhausting and overwhelming…especially if you have social anxiety. It can make you feel utterly terrified. Even if you have social anxiety, you deserve to enjoy yourself! Here’s 5 tips to conquer your anxiety so you can live your best life. 

Oftentimes, people with social anxiety fixate on a problem with their face, body, or personality that triggers their anxiety. This can cause you to literally hold your breath in social situations, further heightening your anxiety. Take slow and deep breaths to remain balanced, calm, and of course, conscious. As it is, It’s exhausting for anyone to be in a large crowd. Centering yourself through breath work allows you to relax, so you can enjoy that once in a life-time opportunity to see your favorite music artist perform live. Remember: you got to the event…you did the hard part already!

At larger events, tons of people will likely be in the same boat as you - anxious and afraid. It’s easy to isolate yourself when you feel this way. Instead of seeking refuge in a bathroom stall, introduce yourself to someone! An introduction can start with a simple “Hello, my name is…” or a nice compliment. You never know who you will meet! Maybe the person next to you is your future best friend. 

It is important to set goals for yourself in an unfamiliar, crowded environment. By stepping further and further out of your comfort zone, you’ll be even more prepared for your next event. These goals can include talking to one person for five minutes or staying at the event the entire time. Whether you try or succeed…be proud of yourself. You got this!

Fidget toys are a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. They also distract you from the source of your social anxiety. If the event is more professional (like a conference), take a good luck charm with you to relieve your anxiety. Comfort items like lucky socks or keychains can also be a source of soothing inspiration, reminding you that it will all be okay! Remember: you’re allowed to step out of the room and focus on something that makes you feel calm. 

Social anxiety causes us to be fearful and to focus on the negatives. You can conquer these negative thoughts with a notes app reminder of positive reasons you’re attending the event. Is this your favorite music artist? Did you come to this conference to advance your career? Whatever it is, make sure you have a clear list of reasons to peak at when you’re feeling nervous. You deserve to enjoy the event! Don’t let your anxiety stop you from appreciating what life has to offer. 

Life’s too short to avoid large events. Don’t let your social anxiety prevent you from finding happiness!

Written by: Katherine Chung