[jdw275]

I've had plenty of great conversations lately and reduced my anxiety a lot by paying attention to what I'm doing all the time. So if I'm smoking a cigarette then I see myself smoking the cigarette and it helps keep me in the present, if I'm putting clothes away in a locker then I try and stay in the present by seeing myself doing it. I also consciously question negative thoughts that enter my mind and it helps me overcome them on the spot most of the time. Also repeating some mantras that remind me of the importance of attitude. Of course this combined with stopping safety behaviours has been a big help.

So when I'm talking to people, I'm consciously trying to watch myself and be present, it has helped a lot. However it is difficult to do it all the time and I often slip up and automatic negative thoughts get the better hand.

It can be very difficult to bring in this self awareness of my actions at times and its gotten harder to do since I started doing it a couple days ago. I've noticed that I've felt really normal and its been great to have a laugh with people and be comfortable around people.

My question is, is continuing to use this method and working on it even when I have set backs using it, will it eventually get easier and easier and then eventually I won't need to think about it? Is this a positive and good way of overcoming social phobia long term?

I would like to have put more detail in this but I must get back to work, I look forward to feedback on this question, thank you very much.

[manwithnofriends]

Welcome to PC. You smoke??? Well if it helps with overcoming anxiety, do it.

[ProtectorOfKittens]

Sounds like what you are doing is practicing mindfulness. A lot of people find it very helpful for a lot of things. But it is kind of hard to do at first, and you do have to practice it. Mindfulness is part of DBT (dialectical behavoir therapy), Buddhist meditation, and (I think) Yoga. You could try Googling some of those terms and to see if you find anything interesting. Best of luck.

[uchiha]

I think you should keep doing it, even if there are few setbacks. Practice make perfect. I am an artist and when I am drawing I am completely in the moment and I have notice that I do not have negative thoughts. It also has become a way for me to control my anxiety and a form of meditation. So, being absorbed in the moment can be a good thing. I think your interactions will be more genuine and fulfilling.

Good luck.

Yes, it's a wonderful method to practice and you will get stronger with each
effort to rid yourself of negative thoughts. It's a kind of meditative activity
that is very, very helpful.

This is so nice to hear rather than using drugs to relieve stress. I'm so glad
you're alert to these ideas for self-help. You're on your way to a really
successful social relationship with people.

You'll be even better if you stop the smoking if you are able to do it.

Congratulations!