Social Anxiety
This breathing technique can slow your heart rate and reduce social anxiety in real-time.
What is deep breathing?
You clench your fists, your jaw tightens, and your mind goes into “blame mode.”
What is anger?
This athlete had a long career with the Mets, Dodgers, Giants and Yankees. He was suspended three times by Major League Baseball for substance abuse but held the record for the most homeruns and RBIs during his career.
Who is Darryl Strawberry?
Regular activities like exercise, meaningful conversations, and small accomplishments boost this mood-stabilizing chemical.
What is serotonin?
This part of the brain is known as the body’s "CEO" — responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and problem-solving.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
Consistent practice in mildly uncomfortable situations helps you build this essential emotional skill.
What is resilience?
This emotion can feel like sadness + hopelessness + withdrawal from activities.
What is depression?
This pitcher was a first-round selection for the Angels in the 2009 Major League Baseball draft.
He accidentally died of asphyxia while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol right before a baseball game in 2019.
Who is Tyler Skaggs?
This hormone is known as the body’s main stress hormone, often released in high amounts during anxiety.
What is cortisol?
This part of your brain stores emotional memories and helps you form new ones.
What is the hippocampus?
This physiological response is activated when the body thinks a social situation is dangerous — even if it’s not.
What is the fight-or-flight response?
You feel tight in your chest, avoid eye contact, and keep thinking, “I’m not good enough.”
What is shame?
This former Heisman Trophy winner was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Who is Johnny Manziel?
This hormone is often associated with male drive, strength, and mood regulation—but also drops with chronic stress.
What is testosterone?
This structure kicks into gear when you sense a threat — often referred to as the brain’s “alarm system.”
What is the amygdala?
This is the most commonly reported physical symptom of social anxiety during public speaking.
What is sweating?
You feel heavy, you’ve lost something or someone, and nothing seems to help.
What is grief?
This famous outfielder was once known as the "godfather of steroids". He 17-year major-league career spanned over seven different teams beginning with the Oakland A's.
Who is José Canseco?
This neurotransmitter is often called the “feel-good” or “reward” hormone.
What is dopamine?
Men often experience emotions physically before recognizing them cognitively. This brain area processes both body sensations and emotional meaning.
What is the insula?
Those with social anxiety may avoid this common action in conversation, which can lead others to misread their intentions.
What is making eye contact?
This emotion often shows up as tension, racing thoughts, and avoiding situations.
What is anxiety?
This famous tight end now has 3 Super Bowl championships but was once suspended from playing college football after testing positive for marijuana.
Who is Travis Kelce?
This hormone is nicknamed the “cuddle chemical” and increases when we feel emotionally safe or physically connected.
What is oxytocin?
This brain region regulates movement and is part of the reward system — it's key in habits and addictions.
What is the basal ganglia?