For those experiencing social anxiety, here are two tricks to help ease the challenge of social events. While they won’t eliminate anxiety, they can foster grounding and connection. First, before entering, take a moment to visualize the emotions you want to embody—peace, confidence, joy. Imagine filling up with these feelings, and consider how they influence your posture, breath, and interactions. Remember, you inherently possess these emotions; there’s nothing to earn.

Second, as you approach someone, think phrases like, “There’s something about this person I’m curious about” or “I admire this person.” This shift in focus fosters presence and connection, making interactions feel more accessible.

Sometimes we get stuck in worry, fixating on making the right choice or doubting our capabilities, which can paralyze us from deciding. It’s important to feel these emotions, allowing them to inform but not control our responses. Our minds can make past events feel current and future possibilities overwhelming. When anxiety arises, try having a compassionate dialogue with yourself. Imagine your worried self as a child: “I see you’re worried, and that’s okay. Right now, it’s not happening. I’m here to keep you safe and I love you. What do you need to feel safe?”

Pause to listen, then envision how you want to feel and what resources you need to cultivate that feeling.