Cures for Shyness

Social situations can trigger anxiety for someone who is shy. Techniques for overcoming shyness include learning calming skills and slowly subjecting yourself to situations that cause shyness. While you might not become gregarious, your can learn to be comfortable in social settings.

Desensitization

• What situations trigger your shyness? Maybe it's talking to people in authority, or new people. Maybe it's large gatherings or being in new places. Make a list of all the situations that cause you discomfort. Desensitize yourself to these by slowly integrating them into your life. Make a goal of saying hello to one new person a day or sit for a few minutes in a crowded coffee shop. Build your tolerance until you are able to engage in all the situations on your list to some degree without undue anxiety.

Overload

• Being overstimulated can trigger anxiety. Caffeine and nicotine are common stimulants that many people use. Lack of sleep can also cause you to be susceptible to overstimulation. Before entering a situation that might trigger your shyness, avoid coffee, soda and other caffeinated foods and beverages, try not to smoke, and make sure to get enough sleep.

Managing Anxiety

• One important step to treating shyness or social anxiety is learning to recognize your symptoms. What does shyness feel like to you? Maybe your heart rate quickens or you start to sweat. Acknowledge your symptoms. Breathe slowly, perhaps stepping away from the situation for a few moments. Pay attention to when your symptoms start to dissipate. Be kind to yourself and build slowly on your management skills until you can be in a situation that may bring out your shyness, but won't make you uncomfortable.