Not all people express their feelings like an open book. However, withdrawing into oneself, leaving out people and experiences, can block personal growth. With this guide you will learn to open up to improve your social and mental condition.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Opening up to other people
Step 1. Understand that people are generally afraid of opening up to other people
So accept it and move on. Give yourself time to deal with sweat-soaked hands, trembling voice, and shaking muscles until it gets better with practice.
Step 2. Use body language
Avoid crossed arms and legs while looking directly at the person you are talking to. In this way you will give the impression of being a positive and open person, which will help when you are looking for people to interact with.
Step 3. Ask open questions
To try to deal with shyness, you need to have a sincere and open conversation. To ask an open question, try asking questions like "How are things at work?" instead of "How are you doing?".
- Then, in turn, respond with a sincere speech instead of just "Good" or "Ok".
- Asking personal questions is not always appropriate; however, in many cases people are flattered by the mere fact that you are listening to them and that you are interested in their life.
Step 4. Look for mutual interests
Try to connect through hobbies, interests, family life, vacations, and books. When someone mentions something you like, try saying, "Oh, I like it too." Then ask more questions.
Step 5. Try group therapy
At first, people, who do not express their emotions very often, consider this environment to be uncomfortable. However, it's a great way to overcome the fear of sharing your emotions in public. Many group therapies use the circle sharing method, sharing common concerns.
Try to find the listening group closest to you
Step 6. Call close friends and family members more often
Have at least one long conversation a week during which you will talk about your emotions and the difficulties in your life. Try to practice fighting shyness by talking about the good and bad things in your life.
Step 7. Avoid being a “know-it-all
” Many people think that giving advice is like opening up, but it's unlikely to help you counter shyness. When you want to give advice, listen and try to learn something new from the situation.
Step 8. Don't judge
Surprisingly, one can judge even without saying a single word. Try to put your thoughts aside and be open-minded when someone is sharing their opinions with you. You may find that you are able to talk to people much easier.
Step 9. Try to take a cue from someone who is very outgoing
Observe him in a social context and then try to act like him occasionally.
Many extroverted behaviors are acquired and are not naturally part of the personality. In this case, practice can make a difference
Part 2 of 2: Opening up to New Experiences
Step 1. Try saying "Yes" as a mantra
While saying "No" is essential for anything that threatens your safety, it could become the only way you react to new experiences. Try to say yes to all the invitations you receive this week and to all the projects offered.
Step 2. Make a “To Do List Before You Die”
” Instead of choosing what you want to do before you die, choose 10 things you have wanted to do for a while. Try to complete the list in 3 months.
If you can't think of what you would like to do, find a list of 10 great places to eat or visit near you. Get these things done
Step 3. Pretend to be a tourist in your city
Take tours, hop on tour buses and go to events. In this way, some people have opened up to all the possibilities in their area.
Step 4. Take courses
Studying will open up new avenues for creativity and help you see new possibilities in your life. Search for the course that's right for you or go to the library in your city.
Step 5. Take a vacation
It's been a long time since you've taken your time and you've probably forgotten how exciting it can be to have new experiences.
Step 6. Change your schedule
People also derive mental benefits from a physical change. Give your creativity a boost by exercising, waking up early or changing the way you travel.
Step 7. Find a friend who, like you, wants to have new experiences
Have your friend choose a new course or experience and try to do the same.
