Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills in today's professional world. Whether you're presenting to a boardroom, speaking on a panel, or delivering a virtual talk, the ability to communicate clearly and confidently can open doors to new opportunities. Yet, for many, the mere thought of standing in front of an audience induces anxiety.
For those who live with anxiety, are neurodivergent, or feel the weight of societal expectations, 'masking' can feel like a shield. It's the act of blending in, suppressing the parts of oneself that feel too 'different' or 'much' in order to fit a mould. Masking can be a survival tool, a way to navigate environments where we fear rejection or misunderstanding. It can give us temporary relief: "If I just act like everyone else, I'll feel safe." And, our nervous system spends a lot of time looking for signals in our environment that tell us it is safe. Masking can also be exhausting, alienating, and denying our most authentic selves. Over time, it chips away at authenticity, leaving us wondering: Who am I beneath the mask?
Feeling scared is natural, but we can manage nerves, anxiety and fear by empowering ourselves with a few mindful practices.
Let's take a moment to celebrate the big and small victories that adorned our journey in 2023. Whether it was conquering a personal goal, finding joy in simple pleasures, or revelling in moments of pure happiness, these instances added colour to the canvas of our lives. Reflecting on these accomplishments and opportunities for growth not only brings a smile to our faces but also serves as a powerful reminder of our ability to overcome challenges.
Let's take a moment to celebrate the big and small victories that adorned our journey in 2023. Whether it was conquering a personal goal, finding joy in simple pleasures, or revelling in moments of pure happiness, these instances added colour to the canvas of our lives. Reflecting on these accomplishments and opportunities for growth not only brings a smile to our faces but also serves as a powerful reminder of our ability to overcome challenges.
How do I know if I am Anxious? Anxiety is a natural, biological response that is designed to keep us safe from harm. It is designed to protect us and not, as it sometimes feels, to destroy us. Believe it or not, in general, it is really useful and can help motivate us to complete reports or tasks. It is often experienced in the body as a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear.
Improving self-talk is important for better mental health not only because it helps to regulate feelings but can also help to reduce anxiety and stress. When we tweak our self-talk, we increase our self-esteem and confidence, allowing us to take on new challenges. Additionally, improving our self-narrative can give us a sense of improved overall well-being.
Practical Self-Care Strategies for Anxiety In addition to managing thoughts and talking about how you feel, there are some valuable things you can do to help improve how you manage anxiety; this is referred to as 'self-care.'
How Hypnotherapy offers many benefits for mental health and wellbeing including support with anxiety, stress and building resilience
Anxiety in Work Meetings? Hypnotherapy Can Help Many people experience anxiety in work meetings. They can feel very uncomfortable. You know that colleagues and clients expect you to contribute, but you can barely speak. And when you do, your memory and lets you down while your body is in fight or flight mode with [...]
