Reduce Your Social Anxiety Before An Event | Take Up Space

If you are feeling anxious before going to a social event, this guided meditation is for you. Listen to this 6 minute practice to reduce your worries and increase your courage in navigating social situations.

Experience ease as you imagine floating through a social situation with confidence and poise, being able to speak to whomever you choose. Connect to the part of you that is fearless, curious and open to meeting new people.

This meditation is for people who have social anxiety in anticipation of attending social events, including parties, holiday events, weddings, funerals, and networking/work events. This practice can also help people who are interested in dating or meeting new friends in social settings.

Grow into the person you are meant to be. Unfurl your wings and take up space to fly.

Background Music: Lakeside by Magnus Blomqvist | Epidemic Sound

Guided Social Anxiety Meditation written by Pamela Pawelski, Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Transcript

Hi, I'm Pamela Puolsky. I'm a licensed clinical social worker and therapist. If you're experiencing social anxiety before going to a particular event, I myself have experienced social anxiety in the past. And I can say that with practice, Putting yourself in social situations that gradually expand your comfort levels. And connecting to a confident version of yourself. You can reduce your social anxiety. I am going to guide you through practice. That will help you both build your confidence and soothe your worries about attending this event. Let's begin by taking a deep breath in. . . And as you exhale, Thank yourself. For taking this moment to prioritize yourself. Perhaps you can imagine a person that you admire. That can effortlessly float through a social event. Perhaps you know this person personally? Or maybe there's someone you've seen from a distance. Maybe they're a public figure. Or a character on a show or movie. Take a moment and notice this person at this event. What are their qualities? Do they have a smile on their face? What is their energy level? How do they greet you? How do they make you feel? Do you think that they feel like they belong here? Notice how much they talk. But notice how much they listen. What is their body language telling you? Are they curious? Open? How does their body show you that? Now, Take a moment. And imagine a version of you. Your confident self. Effortlessly floating through this social event. How is your confident self's body language? As you walk through this space. Notice how it feels for your confident self to make eye contact. Notice if you're smiling. Notice how people acknowledge you. Imagine saying hello to your peers. Notice how that makes you feel. Notice how much you talk. And how much you listen. How connected do you feel to this event? How much are your body and mind? Curious and open. To trying new things. You belong here. You have a right to be here. Just like everyone else. The truth is, People are more focused on themselves. And they're focused on you. You are welcome here just as you are. When you realize that. You can give yourself permission. To belong. You can take up space. Gliding through this event. Like an ice skater glides on ice. All of this space is for you. You're welcome to it. You can choose who you want to talk to. You can choose how long you want to stay. You can come and go as you please. You're never trapped or stuck. You always have options. These moments are for connecting, Having fun. Making new friends and memories. This event can be an enjoyable experience that can help you grow into a more confident you. Here are some affirmations you can say with me. I deserve to be here. And have fun! I can take up space. I am growing and expanding my gifts and abilities. Good job. Take a deep breath in. And as you exhale, Thank yourself. For taking this time for you. Thank you for practicing with me. My name is Pamela Puelsky. Take care of yourself.