How to Avoid Blushing When You're Nervous

Blushing is a normal reaction when you feel certain emotions, creating a rush of blood to the face that turns it red. In most cases, blushing isn't a conscious reaction, but it's still difficult to hide when you turn shades of red in the midst of a conversation. Worrying about blushing in a situation can render it even worse, but there are ways to catch yourself and learn how to avoid blushing when you're nervous.

Instructions

• 1

  Breathe at a normal rate. Breathing fast increases the flow of blood and makes your face blush. Slow down your rate of speech, and stay aware of how fast you might be speaking. Pressured speech is an indication that you are nervous and breathing rapidly as a result. It is impossible to be both nervous and relaxed, so relax your muscles consciously from head to toe as you breathe. Your face will reflect how your body is feeling.

• 2

  Pay attention to the conversation, and distract yourself with that. This will not only decrease the chance that you will make your blushing worse but will also force you to be fully engaged in the conversation. Think of questions to ask during the conversation. Once you attend more to others, the less you will pay attention to feeling nervous and self-conscious, and the less you will blush.

• 3

  Seek psychological intervention. Many people who blush are nervous to the point of social anxiety. If you feel that your blushing is an indication of an underlying anxiety problem, seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medication can help you overcome your nervousness and regain your confidence.

• 4

  Wear makeup to lighten the color of your face and minimize the visibility of blushing. If you are prone to sweating when nervous, make sure you choose a makeup that is water resistant. Apply a new layer when entering a potentially anxiety-provoking situation.

• 5

  Have a surgical procedure known as endoscopic transthoracic surgery, which is usually performed on people who have problems with excessive sweating. This surgery is also used for people who blush excessively and involves the severing of sympathetic nerves where signals to the sweat glands in the face start. Severing these nerves is an intervention of last resort, after all other methods have failed; however, it does appear to be very effective.