Almost everyone has some workplace anxiety, especially in an economy where layoffs are common. But people who suffer from social phobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, or SAD, have a harder time beating workplace anxiety. As a result, people with SAD are often overlooked for promotions and their performance suffers. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to help reduce workplace anxiety.

If you feel nervous at work, your life is affected in several different ways. You have trouble concentrating and it's difficult to follow directions. You have trouble networking at work or at work related functions, and you think you are unable to offer your input during meetings. You might have trouble falling asleep at night and dread going to work each day. Fortunately, SAD is a treatable problem. In addition to seeking professional treatment, there are many things that you can do that will help you beat workplace anxiety. These things aren't meant to replace therapy, but are great when used along with it for fast results.

Start by eliminating caffeine and eating a healthy diet. Include a healthy dose of B vitamins in your diet and look into taking high quality supplements. Both caffeine and a B vitamin deficiency are known triggers of panic attacks. While you might not have had a panic attack, you want to avoid anything that can aggravate your anxiety. If you currently drink a lot of coffee or consume a lot of caffeine, you might want to reduce this amount gradually so you don't suffer from headaches.

Be sure to take breaks throughout the day to move around. During lunch break, go outside for a walk, especially if you sit at a desk all day. Exercise can help you relieve the pressure that you feel building up inside. Some stretches and breathing exercises can also help you feel more calm and relaxed, and these can be done while you are working.

For some employees, small talk is what makes work interesting. For people with social anxiety disorder, it's one of work's biggest stresses. Although you don't need to become friends with everyone in your office, it is important to network and develop a positive working relationship. Not having connections to your coworkers can leave you feeling isolated and more anxious.
Smalltalk is a skill that you can learn. Start with smiling and greetings. Don't feel pressured to have perfect conversation. Cognitive behavioral therapy, either with a therapist or through a home study course, can help you feel more at ease in this situation. Read books on making friends, such as How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Don't stress about what results you achieve. You're just trying to be friendly to your coworkers; you're not trying to become the life of the party.

If you suffer from social phobia, you can beat workplace anxiety. It's important to incorporate healthy practices in your life. Consider working with a therapist whom you trust for best results. Once you overcome workplace anxiety, you'll be happier and more productive at both work and home.