Phone conversations can feel awkward and unstructured in the text messages and social media age. For some people, they’re even anxiety-provoking.
It is important to recognize that phone anxiety is a real phenomenon and that it can lead to missed opportunities and stress. But there are ways to overcome it!
Breathe
Phone anxiety can be a huge obstacle for business owners. Aside from affecting productivity, it can also limit career opportunities and lifelong relationships. Fortunately, there are many helpful tips and tricks to overcome this hurdle. These include journaling, practicing breathing exercises (like the box breathing technique), and visualizing success before a call.
One of the key tips to fight phone anxiety at work is to expose yourself to phone calls and build confidence over time. It is also important to practice good self-care. Being well-rested, eating healthy meals, and meditating can help lower stress levels.
Finally, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Counseling, in particular cognitive behavioral therapy, is an effective treatment for social anxiety. Various online options suit those who prefer to avoid face-to-face meetings. Overcoming phone anxiety will ultimately open new avenues in your life and career. Take it one step at a time, and don’t give up! Don’t let this fear hold you back, whether it’s your dream job or a conversation with a friend.
Think Of It As Exposure Therapy
Humans are wired to protect ourselves from the things that scare us. That’s a good thing in the short term, but it can cause people to avoid or worry excessively about situations that pose no real danger. If you avoid phone calls to your detriment, consider seeking professional help. The goal is to reduce your fears until you stop worrying about the call altogether.
Practice Makes Perfect
Phone anxiety is a common problem for people with social anxiety disorder and other mental health conditions, but it can also affect individuals who don’t have any of these conditions. It can be difficult to overcome the fear of talking on the phone, but many strategies and techniques can help.
One of the best ways to combat phone anxiety is to practice. Whether it’s creating a script and practicing it or simply trying to make a few low-pressure calls, it’s important to take small steps toward the goal of eliminating your anxiety.
Another great way to improve your phone conversations is to focus on getting to know the person you’re talking to. This can put them at ease and create a new relationship when they see that you’re genuinely interested in them. This will also help you keep the conversation on track and make it more natural. You can get them to talk about themselves as much as possible so that you have more to discuss with them.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
Phone anxiety is real, and it can have serious consequences for those who experience it. Whether it’s missing out on career opportunities or losing contact with friends and family, the problem shouldn’t be ignored.
In addition to breathing exercises and rehearsing scripts, some people find it helpful to join a support group or seek therapy with a licensed professional.
So, if you or someone you know suffers from this issue, be brave and ask for help! The sooner the issue is tackled, the more comfortable and confident you will become on the phone.
