Give me challenges for exposure therapy!

TLDR; Tell me a small scary thing I can force myself to do to challenge my anxiety!

Hi friends! So my anxiety has gotten so much worse the past 2 years, I am literally afraid of doing most things, even things that I've done before with no problem. It's actually become quite debilitating unfortunately and I don't know how I let it get to this point. The problem is, my paramedic program told us that lack of confidence, being too shy and timid, or being too afraid to speak loudly or volunteer in class is grounds for us to be kicked out of the program. I've been telling myself  for a year that I would try to do some things I'm afraid of, but I never did.

So please, give me a challenge! I need ideas for scary things to do so I can have exposure therapy to beat this anxiety! Just things like ordering at a drive thru or talking to someone I don't know. Thank you all! <3

Take a walk down a crowded street with headphones on

Make conversation with a stranger in a grocery store.

Try a new music genre you normally don't like.

Try a new food you normally wouldn't try.

 Also if you're not on meds maybe look into it if not. It works wonders for me but I know it's not for everyone just a thought. 

I hope I was helpful. I'm here if you need a chat 🫂

Maybe complimenting strangers as a starter. It’s a short interaction, and it makes their day a little better. Once you’re feeling a bit more brave, then move to full conversations!

More yap/longer route if you want to read:

I have been diagnosed with social anxiety, and they prescribed me meds. When I get anxious, my heart beats so fast to the point I struggle to breathe, and not being able to breathe makes me panic, hence, making me more anxious, so now it’s 10x worse. My medicine helps handle the physiological effects of anxiety, so maybe try to get a check-up if you are able to! It really helped a lot.

Also, I turned to exposure therapy too, I signed up for group research projects in humanities, so it required a LOT of public speeches and talking to random people. (The medicine was DEFINITELY a necessity when I did this, I was nervous as shit everyday!) I can’t procrastinate this or sit it out since I have other members that would be affected, so I had no choice. Needless to say, I think it lessened my anxiety, and now I only need to take my meds if I get random attacks.

Maybe if youre in a store or restaurant you can ask for a recommendation if youre deciding between things! Or asking what dishes are good. Even if you dont go with what they recommend, asking could be something :)