Coping withanxietysurrounding parties starts when deciding whether or not you should attend.
is reasonable for you to attend.
Make a point of not overbooking yourself.
What about making the last-minute decision not to go?
If possible, see to it that you have at least a few hours of downtime to prepare.
Try spending time on yourself.
Some ideas might include the following:
Plan well in advance what you will wear to the event.
If it is a formal affair, ask about the dress code.
Choose clothing that both looks good on you and that is comfortable.
Similar to choosing your clothing, purchasing gifts should be done as much in advance as possible.
Look for a friendly face in the crowd.
Perhaps there is someone who also seems to be alone.
The best way to enter a group at a party is through the introduction of one of its members.
If you see someone break apart from a group, tryapproaching that person one-on-one.
Be aware of your body language in addition to what you say.
Don’t cross your arms and verify to smile.
Ideally, that person will introduce you to the rest of the group.
There are some things that you might prepare beforehand, such as funny jokes or interesting stories.
It is best to talk about topics that are mainstream.
Some examples include:
Ask questions and have a go at find common interests with others.
verify that your questions are open-ended andencourage conversation.
For example, it’s better to ask, “How do you like being a veterinarian?”
than “So, you are a veterinarian?”
Be sure to also listen to the answers rather than waiting to jump in with your own comment.
This will encourage you to ask questions and pay attention.
Choose What to Eat and Drink
take a stab at limit alcohol consumption when at a party.
If you do drink, do so in moderation and eat food to offset the effects of the alcohol.
However, it is important to at least venture to participate.
Remember, the objective is not to be the best or to win the game.
The goal is to get to know the people at the party and feel more comfortable with them.
Have Coping Strategies Prepared
Havecoping strategiesin place in case you find yourself overwhelmed with anxiety.
Identify a place that you’re free to go to decompress, and go there if needed.
Practicedeep breathingahead of time and put it into practice when you are feeling out of control.
If possible, bring someone along who knows about your anxiety and who will help you cope if needed.
Knowing how much time you will spend in advance should help toreduce anxiety.
If you find that you are having fun and want to stay longer, great.
Feel good for staying as long as you did.
Keep in Mind
Parties can be intimidating or thrillingit’s all in how you look at it.
