Feeling anxious in big crowds? You’re not alone.

Here are some tips from a fellow anxious girlie on ways to support yourself when things feel overwhelming:

👜Plan what you can pack to take with you (do check the venue’s rules on bag sizes and restricted items though). I take any medication I might need, a snack, a fan, a fidget toy and a magazine for distraction

💧And the first thing I do is get myself water. Ask for tap water so it is free!

🌬Focus on your breath – slow, deep
breaths can ground you and help you focus on just you, blocking out everything that is going on around you. Focus on making your out breath longer than your in breath

🤫Step aside if needed – find a quiet spot or corner. It’s okay to sit down somewhere.

🎧Use headphones – calming music or white noise can help. Or earplugs can help reduce overestimation from lots of noise

I use loop ear plugs but foam ones are super cheap and work just as well

😌Prepare calming phrases – like “I am safe, I can move through this.” Remind yourself of the fun reason you are there!

👭 Go with a trusted person – having support makes a difference and be a good distraction

🚪Remind yourself: It’s okay to leave your wellbeing comes first.

You don’t have to push through.

Be kind to yourself and proud of yourself that you gave it a go!