Let's be real for a moment. 💯

The thought of managing direct messages on social media can be downright daunting, especially if you're someone grappling with anxiety. 😰

The mere sight of countless notifications, unopened messages, and the expectation to respond to each one can be paralyzing. Alternatively, the dread of an empty inbox can be just as disconcerting.

The ever-growing popularity of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok only adds to the overwhelming pressure. When you're already struggling with severe anxiety, the perpetual cycle of never achieving an empty inbox can feel like a treadmill you can't switch off.

However, to succeed in today's business world, especially in the digital space, one has to embrace conversations.
As one of my mentors wisely stated, "The person who has the most conversations wins." 📥

For someone with crippling anxiety like myself, this truth meant that I had to devise a strategy to navigate my DMs without spiraling into a negative mental space.

Many people can relate to the sensation of anxiety. 🫂

It's like having a friend who takes four days to respond to a text. It's not out of reluctance, but rather the paralyzing grip of anxiety.

It can make one seem aloof or even intimidating, but that's not the reality. The truth is that navigating social anxiety while maintaining authentic connections can be a tricky balance.

However, I have found a way to transition from anxiety to a state of excitement with two simple yet effective methods.

Allow me to share.

Music has a unique way of influencing our emotions and thoughts. 🎵

I've discovered that creating a 'Feeling Confident AF' playlist on Spotify can effectively shift my mindset.

The carefully curated songs help distract my thoughts, allowing me to escape the grip of anxiety and return to my body.

This strategy was inspired by a piece of wisdom imparted by my therapist: recognize your anxiety, acknowledge it, and reassure yourself that it's okay to feel that way. 🎶

Only then can you transition to a different state.

So before you open your DMs and start responding, allow music to shift your energy, empowering you to infuse positivity into your responses. 😊

Take a deep breath and immerse yourself in your 'mental movie.'

Wondering what that is?

Think of it as a visual representation of your 'why' – your driving force behind your endeavors.

It's essentially a montage of what you envision your life to look like five years from now, set to one of your favorite songs.

This mental movie not only serves as a calming agent, but it also grounds you in your purpose, reminding you of why you're doing what you're doing.

It transforms your state of fear and doubt into a reaffirmation of your commitments and reinforces the belief that in order for your life to change, you have to help others change theirs.

If you find yourself grappling with anxiety every time you're about to delve into your inbox, I invite you to try these two exercises.

Come back, share your experience, and let us know if it worked for you. We're always eager to hear about different methods you may use to soothe your anxiety before jumping on social media.

You're not alone in this. Sharing this journey with your friends and others experiencing similar challenges can make the process more manageable. As always, don't forget to subscribe, follow, and engage with us.