Here are 3 fundamental steps to take when you are faced with a situation where you may feel anxious and as a result start to blush uncomfortably.
1. Acceptance
I know this is easier said than done, but this is the first step towards overcoming anxiety and panic attacks in the long run. Acknowledging the fact that you are blushing (even if others don’t notice or even care) along with the acceptance that you are feeling anxious will help to reduce resistance and fear. You will likely still feel anxious and you may continue to blush temporarily, but the resistance is lowered so instead of fighting your feelings and reactions, your mind and body float through it until it subsides. Then, each time you experience a similar situation where you feel you are getting anxious or may start to blush, you mind will slowly begin to relax as you enter that state – you will begin to subconsciously accept what is happening and your entire body will become less tense and erratic to avoid the reality. This takes practice, but considering the feelings and reactions are going to happen anyway, you have nothing to lose by adopting this technique. The more you train yourself to accept it, the less intense it will be each time.
2. Use deep breathing as a proven physical calming technique. Deep, slow breathing is a tried and true method to reduce our heart rate – which will ultimately reduce the feelings of anxiety and flow of blood to the face. Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth – slowly. As you exhale, count to ten. If you run out of breath then you are not breathing deeply enough! As you breathe in, try to keep your chest flat, but instead let the air push your stomach out. This is called diaphragmatic breathing; it has powerful effects on slowing the heart rate. Place your left hand on your chest and as your breathe in make sure your left hand doesn’t move. Place your right hand on your stomach and let your tummy raise your right hand as your breathe in deeply and slowly. Soon the focus on your breathing alone will take your mind off the other thoughts you were having.
3. Let someone know how you’re feeling. This is probably the most powerful tip of all. Many people find this impossible to do because they are afraid of what people might think. But when you stop and think about it, would you feel any less anxious or would you blush any less if you felt alone with your problems? During a night out with a group of people a few years ago, I can remember telling my girlfriend that I felt really “funny” and explained to her that I felt really awkward and needed to just get out for some fresh air. She had no issues with this; she didn’t even question what I meant. This proves that if you’re with at least one person that you can be straight talking with, you can just be honest and save yourself the solitary discomfort of feeling anxious. Please remember that people will think far more of your honesty – they will be far more understanding of your behaviour during anxious times if they actually know what’s going on in your head. I can’t tell you how comforting it is to have someone who knows and understands – the pressure is off to do things against your will, and it could well save a relationship of any kind.
By: Nick JB
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