Two Creative Ways To Treat Your Anxiety Disorder While Socializing And Making New Friends

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, meeting new people can be quite an intimidating experience. Even if you consciously want to become friends with someone, your anxiety can flair up and completely ruin your ability to socialize. Here are two creative ways to simultaneously reduce the effects of your anxiety while making it easier to make new friends.

Get a Dog and Make Him Your Wingman

Dogs are well known to be perhaps the most loyal and loving pets out there. Coming home to a furry friend who's full of tail-wagging adoration can do wonders for your anxiety, especially if you live alone. He'll always be super excited to see you, spend time with you, and listen to you talk through your problems, which can be extremely therapeutic.

Having a dog also makes it easier to overcome your anxiety and befriend other dog lovers. It doesn't matter whether you get an adorable Australian labradoodle puppy or an ugly old wrinkled bulldog, people at dog parks will be happy to chat you up about your canine companion. A lot of bars and restaurants even allow customers to bring their dogs to their outdoor patios, which are prime locations for socializing. Whether you're trying to make a new friend at the cafe or meet a new significant other at the bar, a dog will be the greatest wingman you've ever known.

Take up Yoga and Exercise

Yoga is another technique that can help treat your anxiety. While it was traditionally performed in spiritual practices, yoga has become an increasingly popular secular exercise due to its multitude of proven benefits. Among those benefits, researchers have found that regularly practicing yoga is a great way to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Additionally, yoga classes are a great way to make new friends. You'll be in a room full of people who all have a shared interest, which makes it easier to overcome your social anxiety and start conversations. As an added bonus, you'll be burning off calories, becoming more flexible, and improving your overall physical health. 

Speaking of getting in shape, exercise in general is another great way to treat your anxiety disorder. Researchers have found that regularly exercising releases endorphins and other chemicals in your brain that alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Plus, just like yoga classes, the gym is a great place to meet like-minded people without needing an awkward conversation starter.

Contact a breeder, like Happy Time Doodles, for more help.