15 Psychology Tricks To Get Rid Of Your Shyness And Boost Your Confidence.

We all suffer from shyness from time to time, but it can be a serious problem if you have to deal with it constantly. It is very difficult not being able to make friends, find a job, and even talking to your family on the phone. Shy people often feel like they’re trapped and can’t ever escape their own problems let alone anyone else's.

Luckily we put together this post with fifteen of the most useful psychology tricks for smashing your anxiety, shyness and social anxiety amongst other things! They're also really simple and can be used as necessary as well as taught as habits for those who are still learning.

1. Confidence follows action.

The only way to gain confidence is by taking action, not thinking about taking action. If you want to work on your shyness, then you need to go out and practice it. You should start with low levels of anxiety, such as small groups of friends or relatives. Make yourself do simple things like asking for directions or telling people how you feel about something. Then, build up to more challenging tasks such as introducing yourself in a formal setting or making a phone call where you have to introduce yourself and make small talk before getting down to the purpose of your call.

2. Turn your shyness into excitement.

For most people, if they saw something exciting, they would get excited about it. But for many people, this doesn't work. This is because their brain has learned to associate shyness with fear and pain. A simple way of beating this is to make the things that cause you to be shy less exciting. For example, if you like rollerblading and going on roller blades through a park, then take yourself out there when you feel nervous and try it. Try not to think about it, just go out there no matter what!

3. Stop worrying about what others think of you.

For some, this is easy and for others it's very difficult. Worrying about what people think is a natural reaction but in the end, it will diminish your confidence. To deal with this issue, you need to know that everyone has an opinion and no one can tell you who to like or who you should be friends with. So, if you're having trouble dropping the insecurities that someone dislikes you, try pretending they are just two people talking on the phone. If that doesn't work then try telling them off, but don't let them anger you, otherwise they'll find something else to pick on about you such as your big ears!

4. Go out alone and take some risks.

One of the keys to being able to deal with situations is knowing that you are able to do so. If you're comfortable being on your own, then it'll be easier for you to overcome certain problems. For example, many people have a problem with asking for directions alone. If this happens to you, then try and go out by yourself at least once a week and ask someone where something is preferably somewhere where there's not too much going on and where there aren't that many other people around.

5. Wear bright colors or just wear what makes you feel comfortable.

When you're feeling nervous, you may get an extra boost of confidence if you wear something that makes you feel good. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant or anything that makes a fashion statement just something that feels good to you. Perhaps a T-shirt with a cute saying on it, or some new underwear that's different from what everyone else is wearing. Whatever it is, make sure it's not loud nor too flashy, otherwise other people might mistake your shyness for arrogance and think you're trying to hide your personality!

6. Start up conversations with strangers.

Whenever someone is shy, the first thing they think about doing is keeping their head down and passing people instead of speaking with them. To do this, you have to think of a topic that's interesting enough to make them want to speak with you. One good way is to ask them if they know anything about a product or food such as asking them what the best chocolate bar is, or where they think the best place would be for ice cream. If you really want to get out of your comfort zone, then try and start up a conversation about politics or religion. If someone does become offended, then find out how you can help solve their problems, it will make your words mean more than just random talks.

7. Find someone who has the same problems as you and talk with them about it.

Sometimes it's easier to talk about things with people who share similar problems as you do. When you do this, you can learn a new set of fears and insecurities that may not be aware of already. You can try asking them how they're settling the problem or even what can help them overcome the issue such as a book. There's no shame in getting help from others, especially when they don't expect it.

8. It's OK to admit that you're scared!

It sounds weird, but more people are willing to be open with someone if they don't think they're going to be judged for it (even if it is by themselves!). If you feel like you can't be honest about your fears, then it's still okay to admit that. However, you should try not to embellish the truth or say things that aren't really true – so follow the golden rule and just be honest. You may also want to try and find people who are more open about their anxieties for support.

9. Don't be afraid to leave if something scares you!

Doing something that scares you is sometimes much harder than doing nothing at all especially if you don't know why it's scary in the first place. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, then don't be afraid to leave. Find an excuse and simply tell the people that you're with that you have to go. However, don't make up a reason if it's not necessary. For example, if someone asks why you have to leave say: "Oh I just remembered I need to get the paper, see ya later!".

10. Learn to relax and focus on something else.

When you think your nerves have reached their peak, try and distract yourself by talking with some friends or even doing something fun. Any distraction will work but make sure you don't over-do it so that you can return to be focused once again. Some people relax by listening to music or watching a movie, others prefer reading or yoga! whatever works for you is fine.

11. Try not to think about how nervous you are!

This may sound strange, but your mind can sometimes shoot off the tracks when it comes down to dealing with big events, such as job interviews or exams. Don't allow your mind to go over what you're about to do until after the event has taken place. That way, you won't over-think things and your nerves will be more manageable.

12. Find out why other people are nervous before you are!

Sometimes getting nervous is completely normal and other people are actually relaxed when they have something important to do. If this is the case then try not to think that everyone else is feeling exactly like you because they probably aren't! Don't let them upset or embarrass you as it can make your anxiety worse, remember that everyone is nervous at different times.

13. Don't let yourself become crippled with fear!

Many people have found themselves in situations where they were so nervous that they forgot how to function properly. The best thing to do when this happens is to simply take a deep breath and focus on something else. Distract yourself with talking or even just focusing on your feet.

14. Try and find a sport that can help you overcome your fears of the outdoors.

There are lots of sports out there that can help you overcome your fear of the outdoors, but if you don't want to get involved in them then try and go to the gym or take a walk. Go for walks often and try to start up conversations with others, even if they're strangers, this way you'll build up your confidence.

15. Try and find someone who will show a little bit of interest in whatever it is that scares you.

This can be a lot easier said than done, especially if what scares you is people, but it's still possible. If you find someone who shows a quick interest in your fears, then don't be afraid to ask them if they'll hold your hand when you're nervous. There's no reason to be hard on yourself because people will appreciate it more than you think.

If you're reading the end of this list and you're still a bit scared, then remember that not all of the advice on it has to be followed. If something scares you too much, then don't do it instead, find out what's scary to them and try and find a way to attack their fears in the same way!