Hey Reader,
Our bad for not posting anything for the last couple of weeks. Ash and I have been in Paris (and Amsterdam) eating our hearts out. We come back to the states later this week, and we will be sure to fill you in on all we have been up to…
Bon Appetite!
I don’t know about y’all, but I’m terrified of public speaking. T-e-r-r-i-f-i-e-d! I had to give a commencement speech at my College graduation three years ago and I was so anxious I thought I was going to pass out. I made it to the podium, but then started crying during the speech and ran of stage (hey, I was sad to part ways with my peers).
Today one of my favorite doctors, Dr. Weil, shared some great tips on how to combat your fears of public speaking.
Ever feel anxious when speaking in front of an audience? Some jitters in such situations are normal, but if your life is severely restricted by fears of being criticized, embarrassed, or humiliated in public situations, you may have social phobia or social anxiety. This excessive fear may be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, or by factors such as low self-esteem, past rejection by peers, poor social skills, or a history of public embarrassment. Panic attacks are a common reaction among those with social anxiety, and can cause heart palpitations, trembling, blushing, nausea, lightheadedness, stomach discomfort, shortness of breath, and heavy sweating.
The good news is that there are natural ways to address social anxiety, and these simple tips are also effective against other forms of anxiety. Try the following:
- Avoid coffee and other forms of caffeine; stimulants can heighten anxiety.
- Practice breathing exercises, an effective relaxation technique.
- Consider passionflower, a natural, mild sedative that’s safer than pharmaceuticals. The recommended dosage is one dropperful of a tincture in a little warm water, or two capsules of the extract, up to four times a day as needed.
- Take B vitamins and magnesium, which are sometimes helpful in dealing with the symptoms of anxiety.
- Consider seeking professional therapy. Exposure therapy can slowly introduce you to the specific situations you fear, and hypnotherapy can give you a sense of what it feels like to be relaxed and open in those settings.
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