DISCLOSURE: I am not a mental health professional. If you need help finding a mental health care provider, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit Online Therapy to call, message, or video chat a certified therapist online. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also receive compensation from Online Therapy or other sources if you purchase products or services through the links provided on this page. You can read my full disclaimer.
I receive compensation from the companies whose products I review. All of my opinions expressed here are my own. You can read my full disclaimer here.
Social anxiety doesn’t go away once I leave the public. It doesn’t even go away when I’m in the comfort of my bed.
My job relies on me interacting with people who are complete strangers. I have to constantly engage with my readers and network with other bloggers. I have to constantly promote my blog posts, even though they are filled with words from the core of my soul.
It’s a very vulnerable feeling, but I’m starting to get the hang of it. Throughout the years I’ve been blogging, I’ve discovered these three ways to help minimize my social anxiety so I can run a successful blog.
Sidenote: If you want to make money blogging, you can!
The best way to make money through blogging is to have a WordPress, self-hosted blog. Making money on any free blogging platforms, such as Blogger, is very difficult. Most companies don’t view them as professional as self-hosted WordPress blogs. In fact, most of the networks on this list only work if you’re self-hosted and own your domain.
Why I’ve chosen to use Bluehost for the past two years:
- It’s extremely affordable by starting at $3.75 per month
- WordPress through Bluehost is free (HUGE savings!)
- You’ll get a free blog domain
- You’ll look more professional
- You get to earn money from your blog
INTERESTED? Read my How to Create a Profitable Mental Health Blog on Bluehost step-by-step tutorial.
LISTEN TO AUDIOS
Excel at Life has made the biggest impact on my life the past couple months. They have the best audios I’ve ever heard. Seriously, I can’t say enough good things about them.
All of their audios are cognitive therapy based with a focus on mindfulness. They’re incredibly eye-opening and life-changing. I listen to them multiple times a week, and I’ve noticed a huge change in my way of thinking and thought processes.
They have several anxiety audios, as well as articles you can read alongside them. Excel at Life also has audios about other mental illnesses, like depression and OCD.
You can listen to them from a couple different Android apps (only available on Android), or you can listen to them from the internet here.
Related post:
LEARN TO BE MORE MINDFUL
All of us have experienced mindfulness without even realizing it. We were “in the zone” or “one with nature.” That’s because mindfulness is being in the moment and soaking up the present experience.
Still, mindfulness is quite a confusing concept to grasp. If you’re having a hard time being mindful, trust me, I used to be there. When I first started to focus on mindfulness, it actually gave me more anxiety. You can learn more at Excel at Life. Not sponsored. Just absolutely adore them.
Learning to be more mindful is essential when trying to overcome your social anxiety. Before you try to be more mindful in social situations, such as conversations, practice mindfulness a few times a day, everyday. Doing so will help make the experience more natural.
After you do that, you can focus on exposures that induce social anxiety.
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FOCUS ON EXPOSURES
If you want to be a successful blogger, you need to network. You need to put yourself out there, and that’s very scary and intimidating to anyone. Even to those without social anxiety.
When you begin to dive into exposures, you want to do it thoughtfully. If you just jump into it, you could be doing more harm than good. Understand why you’re doing what you’re doing and be as mindful as you can in the experience.
Examples of exposures:
- Responding/sending emails
- Commenting on blog posts
- Initiating conversations on social media
I feel like the best way to become more comfortable with networking is Twitter. When it comes to mental health, there is a huge support system, and there are so many great chats you can join in. Even if you don’t actively participate, you can still like other’s tweets and get the lay of the land before you join in.
As hard as it may be, sit with the uncomfortable. Focus on the present experience and the things you’re feeling. Learn to engage in conversations and not worry what the other person is thinking of you.
If you want to practice exposures through Twitter, you could always send me a tweet.
NEED MORE HELP?
SOCIAL ANXIETY TO SOCIAL SUCCESS: Social Anxiety to Social Success is an eBook Kel from Anxious Lass created. It’s written in a warm and relatable way. I’ve read countless ways to recover from social anxiety, and I still found new, important information in her book.
Related posts:
- 3 Super Simple Ways to Drive More Traffic to Your Small Blog
- 10 Super Easy Ways to Earn Money From Your Blog
- How to Be a Good Friend to Someone with Social Anxiety
Do you struggle with social anxiety online? How do you cope?
Did you know that there is online therapy?
Online Therapy is a complete online therapy toolbox.
Your therapy toolbox includes:
- Live video, voice, or text chat session with your therapist
- 8 easy-to-follow sections, including 25 worksheets
- Activity plan, journal, and tests
- Yoga and meditation videos
What I love about Online Therapy is that there are several life-changing options and therapists available, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.
This means you never need to worry before getting help.