After a long well-deserved summer break, it often becomes hard for people to return for the next school year. Part of this difficulty is due to returning to the routine and adjusting your sleeping schedule instead of falling asleep at any time of day. On the other hand, there are students who are super excited to return to school to see their friends, learn, and engage in different activities. For others though, it might just be hard to return for the new school year as a result of social anxiety. For this reason, how can we start the new year on a positive note? Below are 3 tips that may be helpful for you to adjust to the new school year and feel comfortable making new friends and connections.
3 Tips to Decrease Social Anxiety:
- Adopting a Positive Attitude. When we struggle to make friends, it is rare to enter the school year feeling positive. However, it is essential to refrain from negative thoughts or mindset and see the bigger picture. Although validating the emotions is essential, it is also important to think realistically and recognize you are most likely not alone. In other words, you might not be the only new student this school year therefore, you are not alone. Additionally, reflecting in your life, every friendship starts with some form of social interaction whether it’s a hug, handshake, or “hi.” For this reason, think of all the previous times when you have been afraid to speak to new people yet when you faced your fear, reflect on all the advantages of doing so; you would not have the friends you do now if you did not start a conversation with them.
- Relaxation Techniques. It is easy for humans to become overwhelmed or feel like drowning when there is something that is overpowering such as meeting new people. For cases as the ones mentioned, knowing relaxation techniques that can be applied when anxiety begins to creep in are very useful in being more social and outgoing. Exercises such as deep breathing, grounding techniques such as focusing on what you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell in addition to positive affirmations. Are good ways to increase courage and empower one’s abilities. Positive self-talk is often not spoken about a lot in terms of relaxation techniques. But saying positive things to yourself as you are approaching someone new to talk to allows you to be more aware and at peace.
- Talk About It. No matter your age, there are numerous instances where we are either nervous or fearful of trying something new. I often get nervous going to places such as parties where I do not know anyone or simply trying new food. Talking about those things with someone allows space for reflection and look at the things that truly matter. Speaking about things, as well, allows us to be more attuned to our emotions and verbalize how we are internally feeling. Doing so helps you cope with the emotions better in addition to feeling less lonely as someone else is most likely facing this situation.
After all, social anxiety can partake in any scenario including a family party, however, it is often popular for students returning to school soon to feel nervous and anxious about the return. For this reason, it is important to communicate with your children, students, or perhaps yourself (if you are a student reading this) about ways to reduce your social anxiety and work towards a better version of yourself. Remember that these feelings are healthy, and things will get better as long as you have patience, confidence, and persistence.
Written by : Rachel Garcia; Masters Level Intern at Olive Branch
If you need support, live in the Chicago area, and would like to speak to a professional counselor, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 West 167th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477.
Reference:
CounselingMatters.live 
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