Keep a journal to track progress from "summary" of Overcoming Social Anxiety: How to Be Yourself and How to Stop Being Afraid of Social Interaction by Jennifer Butler Green
One useful strategy for managing and overcoming social anxiety is to keep a journal to track your progress. This can be a helpful tool for reflecting on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in social situations. By recording your experiences, you can gain insight into patterns and triggers that may be contributing to your anxiety. When keeping a journal, it is important to be honest and detailed in your entries. Write about your emotions, physical sensations, and any negative thoughts that arise during social interactions. This can help you identify specific situations or beliefs that are causing you distress. In addition to documenting your experiences, you can also use your journal to set goals for yourself. For example, you might challenge yourself to initiate a conversation with a stranger or attend a social event that makes you anxious. By setting small, achievable goals, you can gradually build your confidence and expand your comfort zone. Reviewing your journal entries regularly can help you track your progress over time. You may start to notice changes in your behavior or mindset as you continue to work on managing your social anxiety. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and use setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.- Keeping a journal can be a valuable tool for self-reflection and self-improvement. It can provide you with a sense of control over your anxiety and empower you to make positive changes in your life. By taking the time to document your experiences and emotions, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and work towards overcoming social anxiety.