Social anxiety is a complex beast, subtly influencing our actions without us even realizing it.
Ever noticed how we default to certain physical habits when we’re nervous? It’s almost like our bodies are trying to communicate what our words can’t express.
I’ve been there too. And trust me, understanding these habits can be the first step towards addressing social anxiety.
In this article, I’ll reveal the 7 common physical habits that socially anxious people unknowingly adopt. We’ll explore how these behaviors manifest and what they say about us.
So, if you often feel like a fish out of water in social situations, you might find some answers here. Onwards, shall we?
1) Overcompensating with body language
Have you ever caught yourself making exaggerated gestures when you’re nervous?
There’s a reason for that. Social anxiety can make us feel like we’re under a microscope. We feel the need to prove that we belong, so we overcompensate.
This can result in overly expressive body language, from excessively nodding in agreement to using grand hand gestures to emphasize points.
It’s like our bodies are trying to scream, “I’m confident! I’m engaged! I fit in!”
Ironically, this overcompensation can sometimes make us appear even more anxious. Because let’s face it, natural confidence is quiet and doesn’t need to shout.
Recognizing this habit is the first step towards toning it down. And don’t worry, you’re not alone in this. We’re all learning and growing together.
2) Fidgeting and restlessness
I remember this one time at a networking event. I was surrounded by people I didn’t know and I felt like I didn’t fit in. My social anxiety went through the roof.
Before I knew it, I found myself constantly shifting from foot to foot, unable to stand still. My fingers kept playing with the edge of my business cards, turning them over and over again. It was like I needed to channel my nervous energy into something tangible, something physical.
And guess what? That’s a common response.
Fidgeting or restlessness is another physical habit that people with social anxiety often resort to. It’s a way for our body to cope with the nervous energy building up inside us.
But acknowledging this can help us become more mindful of our actions and gradually reduce these nervous tics. It’s all about taking one step at a time, right?
3) Avoiding eye contact
Eye contact is a powerful form of non-verbal communication. But when you’re socially anxious, it can feel like an intense spotlight that’s too bright to bear.
People with social anxiety frequently avoid eye contact. They may look down, gaze off to the side, or even focus on an inanimate object.
Here’s something intriguing: a study found that socially anxious individuals often overestimate the amount of eye contact they make. So even when they think they’re maintaining a normal level of eye contact, they’re likely making less than they realize.
This avoidance can send unintended signals of disinterest or insincerity. But don’t despair. With awareness and practice, we can gradually improve our comfort with eye contact. Baby steps to better connections, right?
4) Rapid speech
Ever noticed how your words tend to rush out when you’re anxious? That’s your social anxiety playing tricks on you again.
Many of us who deal with social anxiety often speed up our speech without even realizing it. We’re so eager to get our points across quickly, to end the interaction, that we don’t give the conversation the time it needs to naturally unfold.
And here’s the kicker – rapid speech can make us harder to understand and may give others the impression that we’re nervous or unsure of ourselves.
So, let’s take a moment to slow down, breathe, and remember that it’s not a race. Speaking at a comfortable pace allows our words to carry more weight and shows that we value what we’re saying. And that’s a win for both us and the people we’re talking to.
5) Hiding behind barriers
There was a time when I couldn’t attend a social gathering without having a drink in my hand. Not because I needed the alcohol, but because holding onto something made me feel more secure.
This habit of creating physical barriers is another common trait among people with social anxiety. We may hide our faces behind our hair, keep our arms crossed, or stand behind furniture. Anything to create a physical buffer between us and the world.
These barriers can provide a temporary sense of security, but they also distance us from others. By being aware of this habit, we can consciously work to lower these barriers and let people in a little more. And who knows? We might surprise ourselves with how comfortable we can feel without these defenses.
6) Excessive self-grooming
You know those moments when you’re nervously smoothing down your hair or repeatedly adjusting your clothes? That’s your social anxiety showing up in the form of excessive self-grooming.
This habit is often driven by a fear of being judged or scrutinized. We want to present our best selves to the world, so we keep tweaking our appearance in an effort to feel more in control.
But here’s the thing: most people are too focused on themselves to notice that stray hair or slightly crooked tie. Instead of busying ourselves with constant grooming, let’s try to shift our focus outward and engage more fully with the world around us. It might be scary at first, but it can also be liberating.
7) Limiting body movement
One of the most telling signs of social anxiety is limiting body movement. It’s as if we’re trying to shrink ourselves, to take up as little space as possible, hoping to go unnoticed.
But here’s the most important thing you should know: You have every right to take up space. Your presence matters. And you deserve to be seen and heard, just like everyone else.
So, let’s give ourselves permission to move freely and comfortably. To express ourselves fully, not only through our words but also through our body language. It might feel unfamiliar at first, but with time, it can become a powerful way to reclaim our confidence in social situations.
Embracing the journey
Social anxiety is a complex tapestry woven from threads of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. And these physical habits we’ve discussed? They’re just one part of that tapestry.
The truth is, none of us are alone in this journey. There are countless others navigating the same waters, feeling the same waves of anxiety, resorting to the same physical habits.
But even in the midst of this shared struggle, there’s a silver lining – the potential for growth and transformation. As we become more aware of these habits and their triggers, we empower ourselves to change them.
And while this journey might be challenging, it’s also an opportunity to develop resilience, self-compassion, and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
So, as you reflect on these habits and how they manifest in your life, remember that it’s okay to be a work in progress. After all, aren’t we all?
