7 Ways to Communicate Better -if you have anxiety | GlowForge

 7 Ways to Improve Your Communication:

This article will help those who live with anxiety, face difficulties in reaching out to other people and starting conversations. Read carefully and keenly!

How to Be a Better Communicator:

1. Body Language:

 Body language, facial expressions, gestures, and posture can convey feelings, intentions, and attitudes more vividly than words. Positive body language like eye contact, nodding, and open gestures can create trust between individuals. Active body language also indicates Interest and Engagement.

2. Understanding What The Other Person Wants to Say:

Try to see things from the other person's point of view and communicate with empathy. This will develop a stronger bond between you and the other person.

3. Practice, Practice and Practice:

Communication is a skill that improves with practice and patience. Keep engaging in conversations to refine your abilities. 

4. Have Clarity:

Be clear and concise while explaining and talking about your points, avoid unnecessary details and talk slowly.

5. Active Listening:

Pay attention, show interest, and understand others' perspectives before responding. Be open-minded; open to suggestions and ideas and respond naturally.

6. Be Assertive:

Assertiveness is the ability to express one's thoughts, feelings, needs, and boundaries in a clear, honest, and respectful manner while considering the rights and feelings of others. Be Assertive while talking to others, don't be aggressive or passive.

7. Social Support:

Surround yourself with supportive friends or family. Practice conversations with a trusted person. 

Talking about your feelings to your friends or family can reduce anxiety and stress. Venting your feelings out can be refreshing and also let all your frustration out. 

How to Start Better Conversations In Real-Life Contexts:

Starting conversations can be eased by using open-ended or friendly phrases:

1. Greetings:  "Hi", "Hello", or "Hey" are simple and effective openers.

2. Comment on the Environment: "This place looks lovely, doesn't it?"
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions: "What brings you here today?" or "How's your day going?"
4. Offer Compliments:  "I love your [item of clothing/haircut/etc.], where did you get it?"
5. Share Relevant Information: "Did you hear about [relevant news or event]?
6. Use Shared Context: "How was [recent shared experience or event] for you?

How to Start a Conversation Over Text:

1. Tell a Funny Joke or Recall a Special Moment: 

Send a humorous joke or tell about a recent funny incident to start the conversation. This creates a happy atmosphere and invites the other person to laugh or share a story in response.

2. Pose an Open-Ended Question:

 By allowing the other person to express their ideas and beliefs, you can start a stimulating dialogue. You may inquire, "What's your favorite hobby or activity?" for example.

3. Comment on a Common Interest:

 Use your shared passion, such as a favorite film or television program, to start up a discussion. Tell them something you liked about it and get their opinion.

4. Send a Thought-Provoking Article or film:

 If you come across a piece of writing or a film that captures someone else's interest, forward it to them and question about their thoughts.

5. Give Them a Sincere Compliment:

 A sincere compliment might start a conversation and make the recipient feel good. "I love your new profile picture; it captures your personality so well!" is one example of what you could say.

6. Talk about Current Events:

 Bring up an intriguing news story or incident that happened recently, and get the other person's opinion. This may spark an active conversation about a range of subjects.

7. Share a Personal Milestone or Achievement: 

Tell the other individual about a recent accomplishment you've made and inquire as to if they have any comparable stories.

8. Offer aid or Support:

 Offer your aid and inquire about how you may be of support if you know the individual is going through a difficult time or needs help with something. This can start a meaningful conversation and demonstrates your concern.


9. Use icebreakers:

 You may start a conversation by using one of the many websites that offer icebreaker questions. Select a few topics that you are comfortable talking about, then see where the discussion goes.

Some examples of icebreaker questions include:

1. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

2. What's your favorite hobby or pastime, and what do you enjoy most about it?

3. If you could have dinner with any person from history, who would it be and why?

4. What's the most interesting job you've ever had, and why was it interesting to you?

5. If you could learn any new skill, what would it be and why?

6. What's the best book you've read lately, and what did you like about it?

7. If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

10. Last but not the least; Be Yourself!

 Being sincere and real is the most important thing to remember while beginning up a discussion. Express your opinions and ideas, and have an open mind about what the other person has to say. This will encourage a positive dialogue and assist establish a sincere bond.

How to Manage Your Stress/Anxiety:

• Learn to say no when you feel overwhelmed. Prioritize tasks and avoid overcommitting.
• Incorporate short breaks throughout your day to relax and recharge.
• Exercise regularly, eat nutritious meals, get enough sleep, and limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
• Practice meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to calm your minds. 
• Engage in activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, painting, or any hobby that helps you unwind.
• Don't hesitate to seek professional help or counseling if stress becomes overwhelming and affects your daily life.

Importance of Positive Self Talk and How to Do It:

Positive self-talk involves changing negative thoughts into positive, supportive ones. Here's how to do it effectively:

1. Identify Negative Thoughts: Recognize when negative self-talk occurs. It might involve self-criticism, doubt, or pessimism.

2. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Question the validity of negative thoughts. Are they based on facts or assumptions? Challenge them with evidence or alternative perspectives.

3. Replace with Positive Statements: Once you've challenged negative thoughts, replace them with positive, affirming statements. For example, instead of "I can't do this," say "I'll give it my best shot."

4. Use Affirmations: Create and repeat affirmations tailored to your goals or areas you want to improve. For instance, "I am capable and deserving of success."

5. Be Realistic: While being positive, ensure your self-talk remains realistic. Unrealistic positivity might lead to disappointment.

6. Practice Consistently: Make positive self-talk a habit. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

Hope this helped!

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