| Almost everyone has some workplace anxiety, | | | | around. During lunch break, go outside for a walk, |
| especially in an economy where layoffs are common. | | | | especially if you sit at a desk all day. Exercise can help |
| But people who suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder, | | | | you relieve the pressure that you feel building up inside. |
| or SAD, have a harder time beating workplace | | | | Some stretches and breathing exercises can also help |
| anxiety. As a result, people with SAD are often | | | | you feel more calm and relaxed, and these can be |
| overlooked for promotions and their performance | | | | done while you are working. |
| suffers. | | | | For some employees, small talk is what makes work |
| If you feel nervous at work, you have trouble | | | | interesting. For people with social anxiety disorder, it's |
| concentrating, it's difficult to follow directions, you have | | | | one of work's biggest stresses. Although you don't |
| trouble networking, and you think you are unable to | | | | need to become friends with everyone in your office, it |
| offer your input during meetings. You might have | | | | is important to network and develop a positive working |
| trouble falling asleep at night and dread going to work | | | | relationship. Not having connections to your coworkers |
| each day. Fortunately, SAD is a treatable problem. In | | | | can leave you feeling isolated and more anxious. |
| addition to seeking professional treatment, there are | | | | Smalltalk is a skill that you can learn. Start with smiling |
| many things that you can do that will help you beat | | | | and greetings. Don't feel pressured to have perfect |
| workplace anxiety. | | | | conversation. Cognitive behavioral therapy, either with |
| Start by eliminating caffeine and eating a healthy diet, | | | | a therapist or through a home study course, can help |
| including a healthy dose of B vitamins. Both caffeine | | | | you feel more at ease in this situation. Read books on |
| and a B vitamin deficiency are known triggers of panic | | | | making friends, such as How to Win Friends and |
| attacks. While you might not have had a panic attack, | | | | Influence People by Dale Carnegie. |
| you want to avoid anything that can aggravate your | | | | If you suffer from social phobia, you can beat |
| anxiety. | | | | workplace anxiety. Once you do, you'll be happier and |
| Be sure to take breaks throughout the day to move | | | | more productive. |