How to overcome anxiety?

Question

When talking on the phone with customers at work I often feel extremely anxious and start to sweat and my voice sometimes shakes (especially if the person on the other end's connection is poor and I can hear my voice "echo" in the line). Do you have any good tips to help overcome such anxiety?

I appreciate all advice and would like to thank you in advance.

Just to clear something up, I don't feel that I suffer from an anxiety disorder, I just get nervous on the phone/in professional situations.

Thanks so far for the help.

Answer 1

Well anxiety is one of those things that every one deals differently with.
In that type of job you just need to remember that they don't know who you are, and that you are doing your Job. the worst thing they can do is hang up on you it is not personal it is Job.
Just try to relax but most of al practice you when are alone so you get work trough it.

Good luck

Answer 2

Self-help and relaxation techniques also play an important role in relieving anxiety symptoms. Self-help includes:

Proper diet – This includes reduction in consumption of caffeine, sugar, and generally an improvement of eating habits. Caffeine reduction should be gradual. Some anxiety sufferers report considerable reductions in their anxiety just from taking these measures.
Exercise – Some exercise is thought to relieve stress, by reducing the amount of cortisol built up from anxiety. Anxiety sufferers should note that rapid heart palpitations during exercise can trigger a panic attack, so it is probably better to gradually develop an exercise routine while on a cognitive-behavioral program.
Laughing
Breathing techniques and proper breathing – A diaphragmatic breathing technique is often recommended (as opposed to chest breathing).
Proper sleep
Meditation
Relaxation techniques – A state of relaxation can be achieved with the help of relaxation tapes, yoga or relaxation therapy.
Stress management – This may entail changes in lifestyle and time management. There are a number of books specialized in stress management.
Panic attack coping strategies – Specific strategies for dealing with panic episodes have been proposed, such as slow abdominal breathing and use of reassuring self-talk.
Search for meaning and purpose – Some experts have indicated that residual generalized anxiety can be the result of a sort of "boredom" about existence. They recommend looking for an occupation the sufferer finds meaningful.
For people who feel anxious and do not know why, it is worthwhile to sort out whether the anxiety is over a particular circumstance or a more abstract existential worry.

Answer 3

Breath slowly, don't anticipate what they are going to say or not say. Don't jump ahead of them, go along with the flow.

Listen to what is being said, not what you want them to say like yes your right. Before you pick up the phone write down some major points that you want to get across to them.

Have a picture in front of you that helps you to relax, maybe a picture of the mountains, ocean, sunset, waterfall, etc.

Answer 4

I suffered from anxiety for many years before being put on a drug called Paxil . Anti-depressants and medications are not permanent solutions . We eventually need to learn to overcome our problems without having to rely on these things .

Answer 5

my dad used to suffer from anxiety!

he really thought he was on the way out so he went for a full medical and it wasnt untill that some told him that he was fine that he got over it

sometimes the mind is more powerfull than you think!

in your case some confidence building and team building exersizes could be great for you

Answer 6

as so often my recommendation is meditation.