Mindfulness Meditation for Social Anxiety Disorder

Mindfulness Meditation for Social Anxiety Disorder Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment and Therapy Print How Do I Practice Mindfulness Meditation for Social Anxiety Disorder? Basic Tips to Get You Started with Mindfulness Meditation for SAD By Arlin Cuncic Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder and 7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety. Learn about our editorial policy Arlin Cuncic Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on September 02, 2019 Social Anxiety Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Muriel de Seze/Getty Images Mindfulness meditation (also known as vipassana or insight meditation) can be helpful in learning to manage the symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD). The practice of mindfulness meditation involves learning to become aware of your emotions and thoughts without analyzing or reacting to them. This can be accomplished through guided meditation practice. Below are the basic steps to follow to begin a mindfulness meditation practice. In addition to these basic steps to get started, you might wish to read literature or take a course to learn more about the roots of mindfulness meditation, and why it can be helpful for your mental health. Ways to Incorporate Mindfulness Into Your Life Length of Practice Mindfulness meditation can be practiced daily, either for longer periods such as 20 to 40 minutes, or as mini-meditations throughout the day. You can help yourself practice mindfulness throughout the day by placing reminders in your home or choosing specific triggers. For example, you might tie red ribbons in certain spots in your house or use the ringing telephone as a reminder. Some people also participate in meditation retreats in which meditation practice is offered over a period of several days.? Place and Posture to Practice Find a location and posture that allows you to become comfortable. You might choose to sit in a chair, lie on a bed, or sit on the floor. If you are sitting, your posture should be relaxed but not slouched. Be sure to wear clothing that isnt restrictive.? How to Sit When Learning to Meditate Time to Practice Choose a time in which you will be free of distractions. Turn down the telephone so you wont be interrupted. Let your family or loved ones know that you need a certain amount of uninterrupted time for your practice. A Mindfulness Meditation Script The heart and soul of mindfulness meditation comes with choosing a meditation script to follow. You can find everything from very basic scripts to those developed specifically for targeted problems. Most meditation scripts will follow the same essential pattern. You will learn how to focus on your breath, separate yourself from analytical thoughts, and develop an open awareness of your mind and body.? Deal With Obstacles You might find that you experience difficulties when first learning how to practice mindfulness meditation. Perhaps you find it hard to concentrate, or that youre unable to relax.You might also find that your mind keeps racing, even when you try to slow down your thoughts. Know that these are normal worries in the beginning, and that things will improve with time. If you continue to have difficulties, consider some simple fixes like meditating for shorter periods of time, choosing a mantra to repeat to focus your mind, or learning how to note your difficulties without becoming focused on them. Use Mantra Meditation for Stress Relief When you struggle, it just means that you need to stick with your practice; regular and consistent mindfulness meditation will help to strengthen your ability to overcome the initial problems that you experience. Tips to Re-Focus Meditate for shorter periods of timeIf your mind wanders, gently remind yourself to return to the meditationUse a voice recorded script or choose a mantra to keep you focusedTry a different location with fewer distractionsChoose a different time of day, when you have fewer worries distracting you Research on Mindfulness Meditation for Anxiety A 2014 study showed that state anxiety of participants was reduced when they meditated. This reduction was linked to the activation of three brain structures, the anterior cingulate cortex, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and anterior insula.  Activation of these brain regions was strongly related to anxiety relief, and confirmed that mindfulness meditation reduces anxiety by helping individuals to regulate their thinking patterns. A Word From Verywell This article shared some simple steps to help you on your way to learning the art of mindfulness meditation practice. If you are suffering with the symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD), regular practice will eventually improve your self-concept and ability to handle negative emotions. You will also learn how to better respond to troubling thoughts and treat yourself with more compassion.