This week, a few people in class have shared something I completely understand — finding social situations tricky. That knot-in-your-stomach feeling before walking into a room, the self-consciousness, the what do I say? panic.
I get it.
I’m not great at small talk — and yet, sometimes it feels like that’s what’s expected. My comfort
zone is in movement and teaching… not necessarily chatting about the weather with someone I’ve just met.
For some of us, social anxiety isn’t about disliking people. In fact, it’s often the opposite — we care so much about how we come across that it can tie us in knots. It’s that inner critic whispering: Don’t say the wrong thing.
A few gentle reminders if this is you (and me):
- You don’t have to be “on” all the time. It’s OK to
listen more than you speak
- Prepare a couple of easy, go-to questions. You can ask in conversation — it takes the pressure off thinking of something on the spot
- Find your anchor. This might be a deep breath, a gentle grounding stretch, or focusing on your feet on the floor before you walk in
- Give yourself permission to leave early. If you need to — your well-being matters more than “sticking it out”
And here’s the truth: the more I’ve been open
about my own social anxiety, the more I hear people say me too. You are not alone in this.
Pilates might not solve social anxiety, but it can help us feel calmer, more connected to ourselves, and more at ease in our own skin — which is a pretty good start when facing the world.
Do you have a favourite way to ease the nerves before a social event? I’d love to know. We might just build a little library of comfort strategies we can all
share.
Have a great week folks — keep looking, moving and feeling good.
With love and support,
Jane xxx
