Far-flung one, but here goes: After meetings (yes, even and especially Zoom), it takes \~2 hrs (used to be 3-5) to "come down" from the social interactions of meetings. No matter what I do, my heart is always racing after, I can't think straight, my hearing sounds muffled, and my body is tense. I've tried exercising, journaling, deep breathing, socializing to quell the arousal, but the only thing that sometimes works is a nap.

I get this way too, especially after talking with authority figures, having to speak to groups of people at work, or talking with people who are intimidating to me. It sometimes happens when I talk with people in public and am not "prepared" - e.g. maybe my hair isn't done, or I'm not dressed well.

Is anyone else like this? If so, what has helped you? My social anxiety is limiting my abilities to function at work. I also know any worries (maybe a fear of not being liked or accepted) that this could be related to are irrational. Even when I convince myself I don't care, my body still seems to freak out.

Thanks for reading, and wishing everyone wellness and calm.