Skip to main content
  • Corporate
    • Corporate
    • Adviser
    • Get Advice
    • Apply Online
    • Make a Claim
    • About AIA
    • Contact Us
    • MyAIA
  • Search
  • Home
  • Life & Disability
    • Life Insurance
    • Trauma Insurance
    • Total Permanent Disablement Insurance
    • Income Protection Insurance
    • Business & Rural Insurance
  • Health Insurance
    • Private Health
    • Cancer Care
  • Home Loans
    • New GO Home Loan Customers
    • Your GO Home Loan
    • Working with a registered adviser
    • Mortgage Protection
    • GO Home Loan Interest Rates
  • Help & Support
    • Contact AIA
    • Claims
    • FAQs and Forms
    • My AIA
    • Get advice
    • Earning Airpoints Dollars™
    • Investment Products
    • Past Insurance Products
    • All our locations
    • Vulnerable Customers Support
    • COVID-19 Support
    • Complaints - AIA
  • AIA Vitality
    • What is AIA Vitality
    • Our Partners & Rewards
    • Apple Watch Benefit
    • Content Hub
    • Already a member? Login
  • Content Hub
    • Move Well
    • Think Well
    • Eat Well
    • Plan Well
  • COVID-19 SUPPORT
  • EARNING AIRPOINTS DOLLARS™
  • ABOUT AIA
Menu
  • Corporate
  • Adviser
  • Get Advice
  • Apply Online
  • Make a Claim
  • About AIA
  • Contact Us
  • MyAIA
AIA New Zealand AIA New Zealand
  • Life & Disability
    AIA Living

    Life & Disability

    The most important things in your life are your family, your lifestyle and your future. This is what life, trauma and disability insurance are there to protect.

    For Individuals

    For Business

    • Life Insurance

      Protects your loved ones’ future if you're diagnosed with a terminal illness or die.

    • Trauma Insurance

      Supports you and your family while you or your child navigate a serious illness or injury.

    • Total Permanent Disablement Insurance

      Secures your future if a serious illness or injury leaves you permanently disabled.

    • Income Protection Insurance

      Safeguards your ability to earn if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.

    • Business & Rural Insurance

      Protection for new and existing business owners if a key person becomes seriously ill, is injured, or dies.

  • Health Insurance
    AIA Health

    Health Insurance

    Having good health is invaluable. Remove the worry around unexpected medical bills, focus on the right treatment when and where you need it, and start your recovery sooner.

    • Private Health

      Takes care of your medical expenses for a range of health conditions and provides faster medical care that suits your needs.

    • Cancer Care

      Specialised insurance that covers costs associated with the diagnosis, treatment and recovery of cancer.

  • Home Loans

    Home Loans

    GO Home Loan - make your house a home.

    • New GO Home Loan Customers

      Find out more about the home loan that works harder for you.

    • Your GO Home Loan

      Learn more about managing your mortgage and how to pay off your GO home loan faster.

    • Working with a registered adviser

      GO Home Loans are available exclusively through our independent network of Advisers.

    • Mortgage Protection

      It’s a good idea to have mortgage protection to protect yourself against all eventualities.

    • GO Home Loan Interest Rates

      A GO Home Loan offers a wide range of competitive mortgage interest rates.

  • Help & Support

    Help & Support

    We strive to assist you for all your inquiries with high touch customer service.

    Contact AIA
    • Contact AIA

      We strive to assist you for all your inquiries with high touch customer service.

    • Claims

      Get help with making a claim.

    • FAQs and Forms

      Updating policies, moving house, changing names... our FAQs section has all the answers and forms.

    • My AIA

      Previously called MySovereign - our customer portal

    • Get advice

      If you're interested in talking to an insurance expert, we can put you in touch with an adviser in your area.

    • Earning Airpoints Dollars™

      You can earn Airpoints Dollars™ with AIA New Zealand. Find out more.

    • Investment Products

      The latest Sovereign investment performance information, as well as a list of closed and terminated investment products.

    • Past Insurance Products

      Policy and enhancement information for policy holders of closed AIA and Sovereign policies.

    • All our locations

      Details of all our office locations across New Zealand

    • Vulnerable Customers Support

      A list of some of the services available in New Zealand that offer support, information and help.

    • COVID-19 Support

      Supporting our customers through Covid-19

    • Complaints - AIA

      If you have a complaint, we’ll do our best to resolve the situation.

  • AIA Vitality

    AIA Vitality

    AIA Vitality encourages and supports you to live a healthier life, while giving you access to great rewards along the way.

    • What is AIA Vitality

      AIA Vitality’s approach can take you on a journey to better health

    • Our Partners & Rewards

      Learn more about the amazing partners and rewards you'll have access to with AIA Vitality

    • Apple Watch Benefit

      Earn an Apple Watch Series 6 by reaching your weekly physical activity targets

    • Content Hub

      Your go to for science-backed, health and wellbeing inspiration and advice.

    • Already a member? Login

      Check your AIA Vitality points status and get access to the tools you need to help improve your health

  • Content Hub

    Content Hub

    Our Content Hub is brought to you by AIA Vitality, the science-backed program that helps you learn more about your health, offers ways to improve it and motivates you with rewards along the way.

    • Move Well

      Finding your further when it comes to exercise and fitness.

    • Think Well

      Tools and information to help cultivate a healthy frame of mind.

    • Eat Well

      Caring for your body with food that makes you feel good.

    • Plan Well

      Improving financial literacy, because a good tomorrow starts today.

  • Search
  • Contact Us
    • Chat with us

      Available Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm

    • Call Us

      0800 500 108 on Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm

    • Send us a message

      via our online contact form

    • Talk to an adviser

      Get free expert insurance advice

    • Apply Online

      via our trusted partner, KiwiCover

    • Log in to MyAIA

      (Previously called MySovereign)

Think Well
Prev | Next
Contact Us
Talk to an Adviser
Back to Top
  • {{title}}

    {{label}}
  • From lonely caterpillar to social butterfly: Five ways to beat your social anxiety

    AIA Vitality NZ - 4 min read

    13 May 2019

    As we get older and life gets in the way, it can be harder to maintain friendships and meet new people. So if you’re feeling like you need a bit more friend-time in your life, here are five ways to get the ball rolling.

    We could all do with some more friend-time, so here are five ways to get the ball rolling.

    Our relationships play a huge role in our general happiness. Unfortunately, it's also an area that we neglect as we prioritise other things over getting out and mingling.

    According to Auckland-based psychiatrist Dr Jan Reeves, feeling shy or awkward is something that many of us experience at some point in our lives. The good news - it's totally normal.

    'A huge majority of people suffer anxiety in social settings,' she says.

    'Even loud, outgoing people can be anxious in unfamiliar situations. Like giving a talk or presentation in front of other people. It's quite normal to experience a bit of anxiety. It's when you start to avoid social situations or you turn to self-medication through drugs or alcohol that you should get some help.'

    While we can't promise that you'll never feel anxious or awkward again, here are five practical ways you can work towards nailing it in your social life.

    1. Focus outwards not inwards

      According to Dr Reeves, people are too caught up in their own heads to notice the anxiety levels of others.

      'The reality is that people are far more concerned with how they're coming across in a social interaction than how you're coming across. So if you're feeling anxious or nervous, it's more than likely the person you're interacting with is feeling something similar.'

      One change: Thinking of yourself as awkward undermines your confidence. Try approaching your next conversation with a positive mindset.

    2. Fake it 'til you make it

      A growing body of research suggests that you can change your mood simply by changing your behaviour.

      One highly-publicised study by a Harvard Business School social psychologist Amy Cuddy found that adopting a powerful positive stance can actually affect your body chemistry. In short, if you fake your mood initially, you're likely to feel a knock-on effect that will actually leave you feeling more confident.

      One change: Start small and try flashing the cashier with a smile when you're paying for your groceries, making sure to take note of how you feel afterwards.

    Make your #onechange

    Research shows that social interactions are good for our health. But it doesn't have to be a party or big event - you could start by babysitting your grandkids, or having a family member over for coffee.

    1. Focus on quality not quantity

      Social skills are like a muscle - use them or lose them. The only way your social skills are going to improve is with practice, but it's also important to know your limits. Life coach, Kate James, says that knowing yourself and the types of social situations you enjoy can be a great place to start.

      'Understand the social settings that are a struggle for you, and the kinds you're more likely to enjoy. Then do your best to manage your time so that you're not overloading yourself with commitment.

      'For example, if you're an introvert who loathes big social gatherings, you probably wouldn't want to say yes to three parties in a weekend, because by the end of the weekend you'll be exhausted. Instead, pick one and make it a priority,' she explains.

    2. Be prepared.

      Both Dr Reeves and Kate recommend preparing some conversation starters before an event so you have something to chat about if you find yourself faced with an awkward moment.

      It's also perfectly acceptable to walk up to a group of people at a party if you're on your own and ask them if they mind if you join them.

      'People are surprisingly friendly, and it's a simple fix for something that can seem so terrifying,' says Kate.

      One change: Do your homework before an event - read the paper and watch the news. You'll find it easier to ask questions and join conversations if you feel like you've got something to contribute.

    3. Join a club.

      If you're keen to meet new people and get more involved in a hobby, consider joining a club. It might feel cliche, but think about what you like to do and what you'd like to learn. From sports teams to hiking clubs, there's bound to be a group of like-minded people you can join.

      One change: If a trip to the dentist sounds more appealing than the thought of arriving at your first meet alone, Dr Reeves suggests reaching out to the club organisers to see if they can arrange a 'buddy' for you.

    If social anxiety is interfering with your ability to function on a daily basis, you might like to consider seeing a therapist, who can give you more bespoke tools to overcome your nerves.


    By AIA Vitality NZ
    AIA Vitality Staff writer

    AIA Vitality is a personalised, health and wellbeing program that supports you every day to make healthier lifestyle choices. Visit aiavitality.co.nz

    FOLLOW


    Disclaimer:
    The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.


    You might like these

    17 August 2019

    Five apps to boost your wellbeing

    AIA Vitality NZ - 3 min read


    Looking for that extra bit of motivation, or just wanting to give your body some TLC? Here are five apps to help you along the way.

    16 August 2019

    7 questions to consider asking your GP at your next check-up

    AIA Vitality NZ - 3.5 min read


    Asking questions is key to good communication with your doctor. So that you can get the most out of your next visit, we’ve put together a list we think are the must-ask questions for your GP.

    05 May 2019

    Your Questions: Why do I still get pimples as an adult?

    AIA Vitality NZ - 1 min read


    You asked, we answered.
    Contact Us

    0800 500 108

    Live chat

    Mon-Fri 8am - 6pm

    AIA New Zealand Limited
    AIA House, 74 Taharoto Road, 
    Takapuna, Auckland 0622
    New Zealand

    Request an Adviser Call
    Apply Online
    Make a Claim
    FAQs
    View all contact options
    CONTACT US

    0800 500 108

    Live chat
    Mon - Fri 8am to 6pm
    AIA House, 74 Taharoto Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
    Request an Adviser call
    Make a claim
    Update my details
    View all contact options
    About AIA
    About AIA New Zealand
    Careers
    News and Press
    Sovereign joins AIA
    Anti-bribery and corruption
    Vist AIA.com to learn more about AIA Group.
    Why AIA
    AIA Vitality
    Airpoints™
    Our Financial Strength
    Our Commitments
    Useful Links
    Home Loans: GO Online login
    MyAIA login
    Investment Products
    Past Insurance Products
    Popular Products
    Life Insurance
    Health Insurance Cover
    Income Protection Insurance
    Business Continuity Cover
    ABOUT AIA
    About AIA New Zealand
    Careers
    News and Press
    Sovereign joins AIA
    Anti-bribery and corruption
    Rainbow Tick
    Visit AIA.com to learn more about AIA Group.
    WHY AIA
    AIA Vitality
    Airpoints™
    Our Financial Strength
    Our Commitments
    Useful Links
    Home Loans: GO Online login
    MyAIA login
    Investment Products
    Past Insurance Products
    Popular Products
    Life Insurance
    Health Insurance
    Income Protection Insurance
    Business Continuity Cover

    Copyright © 2020, AIA New Zealand Limited (Company Registration No: 352806), and its affiliates and subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
    Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Cookie Policy | Duty of Disclosure

    This website uses cookies for the purpose of enhancing your user experience. You can find more information on the types of cookies we collect, what we use these for, and how to manage your cookie settings in our Cookie Policy and Privacy Statement.