How To Handle Crowd Sounds When Outdoors
Time
Duration of 5 to 15 minutes
Tools
YouTube videos on crowd sounds
What To Do
Search for a “Crowd Sounds” video on the YouTube channel. Play the video with the sound on for 5 minutes initially. Listen and let yourself get used to the loudness. Do this daily or whenever you feel like it. Gradually increase the duration of listening to the video to 15 minutes maximum.
What Does It Do
This method would be helpful if you are uncomfortable being outdoors due to the noisy surroundings. Train yourself by listening to the crowd sounds. The main reason behind this is to get familiar with the sounds which could be loud and irritating. Learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable environment. Hopefully, with much practice, you will not be as sensitive to sounds as before. The ability to be comfortable in noisy crowded places will bring you a step further in your journey if you are able to enjoy yourself even in the midst of a crowd.
How I Feel After Doing It
These days, I do not feel so intimidated and uncomfortable being outdoors. During my relapse, I was so uncomfortable stepping out of my house. Back then, I used to exercise on the porch of my house almost daily. I would be reduced to tears most of the time as I hear the voices and sounds of car doors slamming. I was even sensitive to sounds of laughter. Although it was very tough, I forced myself to just get out of the house daily, even if it is only to the porch.
Slowly, I started to venture further. Initially, I would follow my mother to the market now and then to buy groceries. I would wait outside the market as I was not fully comfortable yet. Since then, I decided to challenge myself further by attending outdoor events and having dinner with my family at restaurants in the city. I still have difficulties when I hear sounds of laughter and people having a conversation especially if they are loud. I cried on several occasions back then but I never gave up going outdoors. Thanks to my family’s support, guidance and my willingness to continuously try, I became stronger and braver.
My perseverance and effort paid off and 2 years ago, I started going for short vacations with my mother. I was given the challenge of handling the check-in and check-out processes. It was tough but thankfully, I managed. Through much practice, I could now go to places that are not too crowded or noisy. I could experience night life in the city and dine in restaurants without crying. I am able to hang out with my close friends at cafes. I still feel uncomfortable and have difficulty engaging in conversations. I appear quiet and do not talk much. I would not consider this an issue as I am an introvert, anyway. However, I will feel drained after each outing. So, I will spend a couple of days recharging and carry out simple activities at home.
I noticed that if I stay indoors for several days, I tend to be complacent and just wish to continue staying at home. I feel comfortable and I do not feel like going out anymore. Therefore, train yourself to go outdoors as often as possible. You may just take a walk in the park. Breathe in the fresh air and look at the flowers. It will do you good.
Do not worry about breaking down and cry. Wipe away the tears and start again. Every teardrop will make you stronger. Every step will bring you closer to being comfortable outdoors. You will eventually learn to manage.
“Being brave or being courageous is really just a matter of how much you want to do something”.
Related Posts
Doing Handicrafts During Free Time
Fixing DIY Furniture As A Skill
