SUNDAY, Nov. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Socializing is a major part
of the holiday season, but many people find it difficult.
If you suffer anxiety or feel tongue-tied at festive gatherings,
here are some helpful tips from Martin Antony, a psychology
professor at Ryerson University in Toronto.
First, some advice about making conversation. Smile and make eye
contact. Be approachable and open to conversation. Join an ongoing
conversation, ideally with a group discussing a topic that
interests you. Ask questions and be an active listener.
Try not to simply avoid going to parties altogether. Avoiding
fearful situations will only cause your anxiety to increase over
time, Antony said. If you're shy, talking to others can be
challenging at first but will get easier if you keep working at
being social.
Trying to fight anxiety at a party can make the anxiety worse.
Accept your uncomfortable feelings and try some of the previous
conversation tips so you'll have a good time.
Some of the worst butterflies can come leading up to office
parties. Remember, office parties aren't just for fun -- they can
serve a purpose, giving you the chance to network and to have an
unhurried moment away from the office to chat with co-workers and
your boss.
To deal with an office party, Antony offers the following
advice:
- Determine the dress code before you go to a party. Ask the
organizer or someone who attended last year's event. If you're not
sure, it's best to wear business attire.
- Shake hands with your boss and other senior managers and wish
them a happy holiday season. Make sure your manager sees you at the
party and also remembers speaking to you. It could help in future
promotion opportunities.
- Try to begin cultivating new relationships and networks. Use
the party as a starting point and follow-up with colleagues later
to arrange future gatherings.
- Before leaving, say "goodnight" and "thank you" to the party
organizer, your boss and the most senior staff member in
attendance.
More information
The American Psychological Association outlines how you can
make the most of the holiday season.