How to Get Involved in Your Community When You Feel Nervous to Meet New People
If you’re an introvert, the temptation to stay holed up inside your house 24/7 can feel all too real, especially if you don’t know many people who live around you. However, staying inside all the time just isn’t healthy.
Getting involved in your community is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there. Here's why it matters, how to overcome your nervousness, and how to get started.
Getting Involved in Your Community - Why Does it Matter?
Making an effort to be a part of your community is beneficial to your mental, emotional, and even physical wellbeing, which will ultimately help cultivate joy in your life. This is because putting yourself out there gives you the opportunity to build deeper connections than you could otherwise.
Not only is it enriching to your social life, but if you’re someone who wants to make a real difference in the world, getting involved with your community is a great place to start and leave an impact.
Being Nervous is Normal
The thought of putting yourself out there might feel scary or intimidating, especially if you’re naturally an introvert. Whether you’re new to the area or just haven’t spent much time getting to know your local peers, being nervous is totally normal and to be expected.
Consider trying the following strategies when you’re feeling totally overcome by anxiety:
Talk to someone about it. Explain the situation to a friend or loved one you trust. They’ll be able to give you sound advice and the pep talk you need to build your courage.
Get into a positive headspace. Don’t ponder on the “what-ifs” or assume things will go badly. Instead, go into every interaction with a positive attitude, and that energy will be reflected back to you.
Practice relaxation techniques. Regularly meditating or even just doing some simple breathing exercises can go a long way in calming your anxiety and easing worries.
The key is not to let your nervousness hold you back. Instead, channel that energy into being a good observer and listener. Get in touch with your curiosity and show a genuine interest in every person you meet. Over time, you’ll likely find that your nervousness begins to fade, but until then, fake it ‘til you make it! Be proud of who you are and your confidence will slowly increase over time.
Ways to Get Involved in Your Community
When you think of getting involved, volunteering might be the first thing that comes to mind. And while that’s certainly an option, truly immersing yourself in your community is also about the little things. No matter what your hobbies and interests are, there are nearly endless opportunities. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Volunteer
Search for local events
Try something new
Try organizing your own event!
Shop garage sales
Shop locally
Eat locally
Go to a local sporting event
Check out local musicians
Join your chamber of commerce
Go to a town hall meeting
Along with these, don’t forget events and activities that are exclusive to your community specifically. Keep an eye on your local newspaper and news station so you’ll know when special events are approaching.
How to Make New Friends Locally
One of the biggest benefits of getting involved in your community is the opportunity to build relationships with the people around you. Making new friends, especially as an adult, can be difficult, but participating in your local scene is a great way to dive in. For example:
Say hello to those you see often. An easy way to build rapport with locals is by making it a point to greet them whenever you see them. A simple “hi, how are you” goes a long way!
Frequent a local pub or coffee shop. Become a regular at a local establishment and you’ll naturally get to know the other regulars.
Ask someone what they do for fun locally. If you’re new to the area, get suggestions from locals on what there is to do. You could even ask them to show you around their favorite spots if you’re feeling a bit bold.
Take a class. See if there are any classes being offered that you’d be interested in to find like minded people to connect with.
Join a sports team. If sports are your thing, why not join a local team? Sports are all about teamwork, so it’s the perfect opportunity to bond with your peers and create friendships in the process.
Once you’ve met someone who you want to become friends with, the key is to put in consistent effort to build the relationship. Chat with them regularly, invite them to hang out, and try to strike a balance between talking about your life and listening to theirs. And, of course, just be yourself!
Putting yourself out there in a new community can be difficult, but it will become easier over time. Not only does getting involved benefit your overall wellbeing, but you can also leave an impact on the lives around you — while building lifelong friendships in the process.