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How do I feel more calm while in a public setting?

24 Answers
Last Updated: 03/12/2019 at 1:58am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jennifer Fritz, LMSW, PhD

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

Day to day life can be stressful and overwhelming and my strength is assisting my clients in a supportive, empowering and practical manner.

Top Rated Answers
Staystrongforme
November 16th, 2015 9:31am
I would personally try to rationalize all insecurities you may have about yourself. I think that it is very common for people to assume that everyone is judging them when in reality very few are judging because everyone else is busy being self concious
thestarstoo
January 21st, 2015 3:46am
Practice breathing and relaxation techniques. Take a few deep calming breaths to help settle yourself. Find a buddy who can come with you that you can trust to help you leave if need be. Start with places that aren't so crowded, places you feel somewhat comfortable and work your way up to places more out of your comfort zone.
BabiElephantalks2u
April 8th, 2015 12:37am
Look around you're setting. Think of how you would feel if you were the people looking at you. Take deep breaths and laugh a lot.
Anonymous
March 12th, 2019 1:58am
I find a restroom and take a break to calm down or I talk to someone I know and that always sort of calms me down. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
comfortingSoul112
January 20th, 2015 12:16pm
Maybe because you don't know any of the people, and won't be embarrassed if you do something wrong, or something that can embarrass you in front of people you actually know.
Anonymous
November 19th, 2018 12:23am
Here are two things to do in public that won't attract unnecessary attention, but you will want to practice them in advance while somewhat relaxed so you can get used to them and not be mentally scrambling as anxiety starts kicking in. First is to breathe. Always breathe: deep, rich breaths using the diaphragm or belly in through the nose and out the mouth. Hold your breath for a few moments before inhales and exhales. Then square your breathing by counting to three or four while inhaling, holding your breath, and exhaling. Second is called progressive muscle relaxation. Start by sitting comfortably and working down from your toes up to your nose flexing all the different muscle groups of your body, such as your forearms, biceps, quads, abs, etc. Listen to your body as to which muscle groups hurt the least and provide the most relief. Then try flexing those muscles standing up. Apply that when you're in a crowded room, and almost no one is ever going to notice you're flexing and stretching your toes while talking to them.
heretohelpyousmiletoday
July 24th, 2018 6:50am
Often we feel overwhelmed when we are around others that we don't know and can find it hard to relax, I find the most simple solution is to take a big breath and remember that I can do it!
hgraff31
June 11th, 2018 2:52am
Take a deep breath and make sure of your surroundings. Sometimes fears like that can come from not knowing where you are or how you can get back home. Be aware of your surroundings and always have your phone on you at all times.
Georgia247
March 6th, 2018 12:38am
i have ear defenders and i take my chewy with me where i use to calm m and also will be able to fiddle with. I also have a weighted hoody that works
Numberz
October 3rd, 2017 10:12pm
If breathing exercises don't help: One thing that has helped me a lot, is by asking myself, "so what?" Inside of my mind, my thoughts race.. what if I have a booger on my face? what if they don't like me? What if I smell bad? (These are really things that I used to think about whenever I was in public!) But then, I started asking, "so what if I do? Who are these people to me? What is the worst that could happen?" I laughed at myself for having those thoughts, which puts a smile on my face and makes me appear more inviting.
Anonymous
August 1st, 2016 11:38pm
Deep breathing and accepting the feeling in the moment can help...remember to be kind to yourself :)
Anonymous
March 15th, 2016 6:30am
Try some breathing exercises and think positive thoughts. Strangers don't hate you, they don't know who you truly all. All they know is what you look like.
mightywindbag
January 4th, 2016 1:21pm
Visualisation and mindfulness can sometimes help. There are breathing techniques also, and often just focusing on one thing can calm the mind or having a safe place to retreat to when panic sets in helps.
AWfulesomejj96
December 29th, 2015 11:28am
The answer is simple "security offers peace of mind" while in a public setting we are aware that we are among humans and not among wild animals and this thought can automatically make us feel calm and secure.
EliTheEmpath
December 7th, 2015 1:16pm
Often times being in public can distract your mind rather than focusing on whatever is troubling you
lilscotsangel
November 23rd, 2015 1:49am
Take deep breaths and zone out to a place or thing which makes you happy. Imagine your favourite musician playing in front of you
Anonymous
September 22nd, 2015 4:33am
I always have earbuds in, even if I'm not listening to music so I feel more comfortable with myself; it also adds to my outfit.
Anonymous
July 28th, 2015 9:38pm
For feeling more calm it is already helpful to concentrate on your breathing. Don't think about your surroundings, think about you. Make clear where you are. Breathe in, breathe out.
Anonymous
July 28th, 2015 4:33am
B.R.E.A.T.H. When ever I go in a public place I just breath and relax so I don't panic and it worse.
Anonymous
July 21st, 2015 1:51am
As a sufferer of anxiety, crowds scare me quite a bit. While this isn't a good solution, and certainly not a cure, I've found that having headphones on the move or a book when sitting help distract me from my worries. In addition, practice makes perfect. It sounds strange, but being in public will help you get conditioned to it; look up exposure therapy. It's frightening, but it's so effective.
SkyeIsThereForYou
July 6th, 2015 6:00pm
Stay around friends that will back you up when you need it or just ignore anyone that is mean to you. Brush it off as though it was nothing.
soulbuddy251
June 22nd, 2015 9:35pm
If you have an objective, like to buy some chips or give a speech, focus upon that. If worry kicks in, breath a bit slower and think positive. Some negative thinking that usually occurs are thoughts like "these people are better than me" or "they have everything good in their lives." Remember they have struggles just like you, so a bit of confidence can go a long way.
wishfulApricot39
April 30th, 2015 6:51pm
What helps me is thinking about things like what I watched on TV yesterday, or what I'll do once I get to where I'm going.
Anonymous
April 10th, 2015 7:10am
Breathe. Take a deep breath. Inhale every thoughts that make you feel calm. And exhale every thoughts that make you feel nervous. Imagine you're in a place wherein you're comfortable.