IndependentIt is one of the fastest ways to get in touch with someone and yet for many it is pure hell: making phone calls. Have you ever felt that intense panic when a call appears on your smartphone? You are not alone: many of us seem to have developed a kind of fear of calling. But what exactly is that and how can you deal with it? Independer.be explains and gives concrete tips.
By Yannick Jansen, in collaboration with Independer
24-04-24, 19:20
Source:
Independer.be
Contactless takes the upper hand
A 2023 study by the Federal Public Service of Health shows that 65 percent of Belgian young people almost never call anymore. In the digital age we live in, almost everything we do has become contactless thanks to our smartphones. Would you like to make an appointment at the hairdresser? Then you simply use the online reservation tool. Want to book a holiday through a travel agency? Why make it difficult when it can be done much faster and easier via an app or website?
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What is phone anxiety?
A disorder in which a person experiences intense anxiety when making telephone calls. The reasons for this can vary from person to person. For example, introverts suffer from it more than extroverts. In addition, the fear can arise from the fear of painful silences or questions to which one has no answers, i.e. uncertainty.
How can you overcome your fear of the phone?
A significant number of young people are averse to using the telephone, but of course you cannot completely escape it. There will be times when you have to make important calls, for example for work or school. To best prepare for these conversations and reduce your fear of them, it is important to follow a number of steps.
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Step 1: Breathe deeply…
Your breathing is essential for any form of stress or anxiety. By keeping your breathing calm, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which puts your body in a state of relaxation. Think of it as your body’s brakes. Fast or uncontrolled breathing, on the other hand, causes you to press your physical ‘accelerator pedal’, causing increased stress.
Therefore, try – as much as possible – to do a breathing exercise before every telephone call. Take a minute to breathe deeply in and out, closing your eyes and focusing completely on your breathing. This way you can quickly relax and be ready for your conversation.
Step 2: Write, write and write again
Many people experience phone anxiety because they worry about how the conversation will go. For example, they fear questions to which they have no answers. By preparing your conversation you can avoid such situations.
Think about possible questions the person on the other end of the line might ask and write down some answers. Also write down how you want to start the conversation and how you will introduce yourself. Also think about how you can politely say goodbye at the end of the conversation.
Step 3: Practice out loud
That way, you won’t feel like it’s the first time you’re saying these words, which will significantly reduce stress. Moreover, you will find out which parts of your story need more attention.
Step 4: Smile bare your teeth
Several studies show that laughing while on the phone, even if not sincerely, can help reduce stress. Even though the person you are talking to cannot see your face, when you smile your voice will sound friendlier because a smile is audible in your voice.
Step 5: Stand up
Many people who are on the phone are taking walks. While it may look ridiculous when you see it happening to others, it can be incredibly helpful in reducing stress. Walking during a phone call gives your body something else to focus on, so your brain doesn’t just focus on your anxiety. Moreover, you keep moving, so it’s a win-win.
Overcome your fear of the phone? These formulas offer unlimited calling minutes for the fewest euros.
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This article was brought to you by our partner Independer.be.
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