The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
The first impressions we form of others and the messages we communicate to others in our vicinity are heavily influenced by body language and other forms of nonverbal communication. If you suffer from social anxiety, you may find that body language is more significant than usual.
People who suffer from social anxiety disorder may be giving off a variety of subtle yet revealing body language indicators. It’s possible that some of your actions are repelling to others. Although you may feel uncomfortable at first, gaining an understanding of social cues can help you practice becoming more outgoing and confident.
When you suffer from social anxiety, it can be more difficult to understand the nonverbal cues that others are giving you. You can gain self-assurance and social ease by studying body language and learning to decode the signals other people are sending.
The following advice can help you become more aware of your own body language and better interpret that of others. Aside from the information presented in each section, you’ll also find external links to further resources for developing your body language skills.
Learn To Read Nonverbal Cues
Do you wish there were a simple method to learn how to interpret the nonverbal cues others give you? At its core, the issue may be reduced to two dimensions: ease and difficulty.
Notice which of these behaviors your discussion partner is displaying and consider what it says about them. In cases where verbal and nonverbal cues don’t seem to match, the latter may be more telling.
To better comprehend nonverbal cues try:
- Inquiring as to the meaning of others’ words
- Examining body language for inconsistencies with verbal communication
- Paying attention to inflection
- Keeping the setting and circumstances in mind
- Paying attention to the way in which you utilize your body to add emphasis to your words
Pay Attention To Expressions
The expressions on a person’s face can reveal much about their emotional state, much more so than their body language. Everyone feels the same four basic emotions: joy, sadness, anger, and surprise.
Those suffering from social anxiety typically have difficulty maintaining eye contact, making it more challenging to read the nonverbal cues others provide with their faces.
Here are a few examples of facial expressions:
- Smiling
- Frowning
- Eye contact
- Eye rolling
- Raised eyebrows
To improve your ability to interpret people’s emotions through their faces, you can start by familiarizing yourself with the five core feelings.
Act More Confident
Those who suffer from social phobia often have a critical outlook on their own abilities. Since they have such a low opinion of themselves, they also assume that others have a dim view of them. Confidence issues and low self-esteem are common results.
Here are some things you may do to feel and look more assured:
- Standing or sitting straight
- Keep your chin up
- Give a firm handshake
It’s not just that you’ll look and feel more assured once you start using confident body language. The first step toward a more self-assured identity is adopting an outwardly confident demeanor even if you don’t yet feel that way on the inside. Visit BetterHelp to learn more about how faking it til you make it can be a great way to build up confidence over time.
Be Wary Of Mistakes
If you suffer from SAD, be aware of any nonverbal cues that may be conveying meanings other than your own. These are insular actions that give off an impression of being cold, distant, uninterested, or awkward.
Your nervousness may make these actions feel natural, but they communicate to others that you are difficult to get to know. Checking for these body language blunders should be your first step if you want to improve your social success.
Some examples of body language that may be misinterpreted as negative are:
- Fidgeting
- Slumping over
- Avoiding eye contact
- Fake smiling
Make Yourself Seem More Pleasant
If you suffer from social anxiety, you may frequently display “closed” actions that give the impression that you don’t want to interact with others.
Crossed arms, a downcast gaze, and a cautious distance all convey the message, “Leave me alone.” Start by adopting friendlier body language if you wish to alter your public persona. The following are some methods that may be useful:
- Consciously avoiding anxious tendencies such as fidgeting
- Establishing eye contact
- Nodding your head when others are talking
- Smile more often
While it’s true that body language may disclose a lot about a person, it’s also vital to keep in mind that the messages it sends might be misinterpreted. Look at the complete picture of a person’s signals, not just their words, to decipher their meaning.
