9 Ways to Stop Blushing From Social Anxiety
What Is Blushing
Blushing is when your face and/or neck turns a shade of red and usually feels tingly or warm (or for the unlucky few of us, like our face is on fire).
It is an involuntary response where the blood rushes to our faces and/or neck, commonly in response to feeling shy, embarrassed, or anxious, however, it can be caused or made worse by social anxiety.
Blushing caused by social anxiety can turn into Erythrophobia. (Fear of Blushing)
Social Anxiety and Blushing
Blushing can become a vicious cycle of feeling anxious, causing you to blush which in turn creates more anxiety from knowing you are blushing and having the fear of people noticing and judging you.
For some people, this can build into a fear in itself called Erythrophobia which is the fear of blushing.
This usually stems from a fear of being seen, judged, or not feeling good enough in ourselves. It can become overwhelming and start to control your life, who you speak to, where you work, and daily tasks that used to be second nature.
It Sucks!
If you’ve noticed you are blushing often and it’s something that is affecting your daily life and your wellbeing it’s always worth booking an appointment with your GP to see what advice and support they can offer.
However, when you suffer from Blushing caused by Social Anxiety or Erythrophobia, Sitting in front of a GP can be a real challenge or totally impossible.
So, as someone who has personally struggled with this, I wanted to write this post to be able to offer my own insight and techniques that have worked for me.
The Best Make-Up To Cover Severe Blushing
Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti Redness Miracle Colour Corrector
* Please note some of the links provided may be affiliated, however, these are products I have used for many years or I know others have had great success with. This is a personal topic for me and I will only share information and products that I believe will genuinely help.
How to stop Blushing.
9 Ways To Stop Blushing
Pay attention to when you feel you are blushing.
By keeping a diary of when, you can start to assess what the cause is, perhaps when you are sitting indoors with a group of people you blush but you notice when you’re with one person you don’t.
Having an idea of what is triggering the blush can help you figure out what to work on and how you can feel more comfortable in those situations.
Practicing calming techniques
Learning breathing techniques and practicing meditations can come in useful when you are in a situation where you’re social anxiety is beginning to take over and you feel a blush coming on.
Being able to calm your breathing and lower that fear response will help you feel calmer and reduce the chances of turning red helping to stop blushing.
Avoid unnecessary causes such as drinking alcohol or eating spicy foods.
These foods are common in causing blushing, increased perspiration, and increased heart rate all of which can have a negative impact on social anxiety and cause blushing.
Know your mind and body and if something is going to make your anxiety worse, avoid it or at the very least have it in moderation.
Stay cool.
Keeping yourself cool with loose-fitting clothing or at best clothing that you feel comfortable in. For some that may be loose-fitting clothes for others a crop top and shorts, either way being able to take off a layer is always beneficial and can also work as an “action distraction”.
Use colour-correcting makeup.
There are some great products out there now for reducing redness which is great to wear under your usual makeup or on their own If you’re not a regular make-up wearer you can use the colour corrector and a little powder on top to cover any shiny look and hide the sweat!
Work on your self-confidence and lower your social anxiety.
This might seem easier said than done but unless you take the time to look deeper into the causes and triggers your social anxiety is unlikely to get any better.
Learning how your mind works, your unconscious thoughts, and your body's responses to situations can help you better understand how you can begin to work on improving them to gain self-confidence, lower your social anxiety, and prevent blushing.
Carry a drink
Having a cold bottle of water not only physically helps to cool you down but works as an “action distraction” as I like to call it.
An action distraction is having something to do to take your mind away from focusing on your anxiety thoughts and bodily responses such as turning red and feeling hot.
And if all else fails you can fake choking on water and excuse yourself to the bathroom. Yes, I have really done that but I’m assuming if you have read this far you will understand!
Focus Outward
Instead of dwelling on your own feelings of self-consciousness, shift your focus outward. Engage in the conversation, listen actively, and pay attention to others rather than fixating on yourself.
Gradual Exposure
Gradually expose yourself to situations that make you blush, starting with less intimidating scenarios and working your way up. This can help desensitize your body's response over time.
Remember this is a practice you will need to work on daily! There is no overnight cure but, if you put in the effort to dig deep, learn more about yourself, and work on these techniques, and tricks then it will get better!
It might not be comfortable but living with blushing caused by Social Anxiety or Erythrophobia is way more uncomfortable so feel the fear and do it anyway!
Social Media Accounts For Blushing / Erythrophobia
An amazing group on Facebook for sharing your setbacks and celebrating your wins! A group filled with people experiencing the same struggles allowing you to connect and feel heard by people who understand.
A YouTube channel by a woman who has suffered from Anxiety, Depression, and Erythrophobia and is sharing her journey to heal.
The Best Books on Blushing, Erythrophobia, and Social Anxiety
Please note some of the links provided may be affiliated, however, I will only ever share information and products that I believe will genuinely help.
Blushing caused by Social Anxiety can seem like a never-ending cycle but if you want to block it off at the source some self-healing is a great place to start. If you would like some more information and resources for Social Anxiety head over to my post on Products for Anxiety Relief
If blushing is affecting your daily life and mental well-being please seek advice from a medical professional, there are some good ones out there!