Counsellor and mindset coach Muthoni Mukiri has shared practical guidance for managing social anxiety, particularly for people who feel nervous before attending gatherings or meeting groups of people.
Speaking on her Instagram on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Mukiri emphasised that the root of social anxiety often comes from the pressure to fit in or meet other people’s expectations.
“Social anxiety comes from wanting to be acceptable, wanting to fit in, wanting to be who people expect you to be,” Mukiri explained. “To beat social anxiety, you have to stop trying to fit in.”
She encouraged followers to embrace their natural selves, including their quirks, voice, appearance, and even moments of awkwardness.
She says accepting yourself is the first step toward easing anxiety.
Accept yourself
Mukiri added that once you accept yourself, you no longer carry the internal pressure that fuels nervousness. Even if people stare, ask questions, or react unexpectedly, self-acceptance allows you to avoid judging yourself harshly.
“Even when people start asking questions or looking at you funny, you won’t join in the judgment you were giving yourself before,” she said.
She highlighted the importance of standing out rather than trying to blend in. “We are not supposed to be uniform like everyone else,” Mukiri said. “We are supposed to show up in our own different, beautiful, colourful
personalities.” By embracing individuality, social interactions become less intimidating, she explained.
Practical steps to manage anxiety
Mukiri also offered practical advice for reducing anxiety in social situations.
She encouraged taking small, manageable steps like attending events gradually, practising conversations in low-pressure settings, and reminding yourself that perfection isn’t necessary.
Focusing on being authentic rather than trying to please everyone, she said, can make social settings far less stressful.
Mukiri emphasised that social anxiety is not a personal flaw, but a response to the pressure of trying to conform.
Accepting yourself and showing up as your authentic self, she says, is the key to overcoming nervousness and enjoying social interactions more fully.
