Prepare with music

Whenever I know I'll have to go out to a social function or out with my family, I always listen to music or bring it with me. If I'm going to a party, I listen to the type of music that'll be played there, psyche myself up into the mood, and then I'm ready. I have to go to the airport later this week and in order to avoid talking to people, it helps to have headphones on. Then people try not to talk to you, but since it's an airport, I know at least one person will try to strike up a conversation. I use this when walking around on campus as well.

But music just settles my nerves. Lately, I've been listening to The Killers non-stop and it kind of calms me down when I even think about something that causes me anxiety.

I use headphones as an avoidance technique as well. Walking around campus, hanging out in my apartment, walking to work and around the mall.
That being said, when I'm listening to music it's mostly up loud and blocking everything out, but then I get paranoid that either someone will hear it or that I will miss my phone ringing or that people will be talking about me so I turn my volume way down in a panic.
But mainly positives out of headphones!

My counsellor pointed me in the direction of these meditation tapes that I have on my iPod, which I play when I'm really stressing. They're particularly good when I'm having a really stressful day at work, I spend 10-15min listening to one track and I feel better... When I find them online I'll post a link

I'm always listening to music too, it helps me, when I'm real nervous, because in this moments, I try to focus my concentration on the lyrics or every simple note. I really love music (to make by my self, as well) and especially that helps me to through crowded places.

Listening to music actually makes me more nervous. I get really scared that people might hear or see my music and then judge me. So I don't bother listening in public, but once I'm home on my side of the house, then it's one big concert lol (:

I will try this, i get nervous when i am at department stores or worse... grocery shopping.