How do you keep your composure in stressfull situations?

Question

I don't know how I have come to be like this but I am a very anxious person. I fidget constantly and things that other people find perfectly normal cause me to feel uneasy. I totally don't feel comfortable around people because I feel as if I'm under their constant scrutiny. But it's what I've noticed lately of my reactions to these situations that has got me worried. I experience physical reactions when I am in stressful situations, I twitch uncontrollably from head to toe. And the thought of people noticing that has led to me to isolate myself more. My question is, have any of you experienced such a problem and if you did/do how do you deal with it?

Answer 1

Try analyzing the situation before you react. Alot of times we react first and when the situation blows over we realize it wasn't that serious. You only have one life and you don't want to live it in constant anxiety. Separate yourself from those things or people who you know will cause you to be stressed. Get to know yourself and love yourself and life. Also try talking to someone you know. Talking does make things a little lighter.

Answer 2

You are suffering from a form of anxiety. Maybe its due to your physical appearance? Do you have any facial/skin problems? Do you dress unusually? Do you have any special problems involving one or more of our limbs?

I think you are internalizing too much what others may be thinking about you. Really when it comes down to it, at the end of the day, who really gives a damn what they think of you? You must be happy with yourself and not stress yourself out about what some jerk is thinking about something you have absolutely no control over.

If its an acne skin problem that can be fixed with dermatology. Also there are anti-anxiety meds out there but you don't want to "go there". Big Pharma would welcome your (or your insurance co.'s) cash with open arms.

I find that when giving public lectures/speechs we humans sometimes get an attack of anxiety worrying about what the audience thinks about what: I have on, is my hair combed, is there a bugger hanging out my nose, is my zipper open, does my speech make sense, is there a brianiac in the audience dissecting every word I say in his mind? WHO CARES?! Just "get 'er done!" - Larry The Cable Guy

The best way to mitigate anxiety in this type of audience venue (i.e. stage fright etc) is to first breath normally before getting up. Press two fingers into your solar-plexus (i.e. under your breast bone above your stomach) to cause the butterflies to calm down. Next look directly and squarely at your audience and visualize/imagine in a clinical way every man and woman in the audience as TOTALLY naked! Wow if that doesn't boost your ego which should override your anxiety then I don't know what will.

Try it in one-on-one situations too. Its just crazy enuf' to work!

Answer 3

1. Do deep breathing exercise.

2. Think of something positive; achievements you made in the past stressful situations.

3. Don't sweat the small stuff. Tell yourself, "It is all small stuff."

4. Imagine yourself overcoming the stressful situation.

5. Withdraw to a safe retreat for a while. (Could be the wash room/toilet/pantry). Compose yourself. Eat something sweet (chocholate bar, candy, dessert).

6. Tell yourself, it will pass. "Tough times don't last...tough people do!"

7. Talk to someone you trust. Vent, talk it out, and get some advice.

Answer 4

Try meditation. If you do it regularly, there would be a long-term beneficial impact on your stress level. Once you reach this stage (may take months), your confidence to deal with situations is bound to improve ... almost like a virtuous cycle.

Hope this helps. All the best,

Answer 5

Breathing while concentrating on it does help. I try not to sweat the small stuff; if someone annoys me - I feel sorry for them.

Answer 6

I practice meditation and Yoga.