Fear is one of the most interesting emotions. It has such value, as fear is part of our instinct. It ensures that we can respond to threat and find safety. Sometimes, though, fear can be extremely frustrating. If you feel like your fear is in overdrive, it can be debilitating. Here are a few tips to help ease your fear, or make it work for you…
Fear is defined as, “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.” Fear is the emotion that commonly holds us back and/or causes legitimate emotional, mental, and physical discomfort. Here are some quick tips for stomping on fear:
Write Your Fears Out
It’s easy to get trapped in a negative mindset and have your thoughts on loop. Writing your fears out gives you the opportunity to look at, and challenge your beliefs. Making a list also gives you an outlet to let go of those ideas that don’t make sense and consider how to tackle your more reasonable anxiety by putting it into perspective. Doing this with a friend or partner can be a nice exercise and a challenge- if a fear of yours is vulnerability!
Relax for A Moment
People like to feel as though they are in control. Control gives us a comforting feeling of “knowing” what the outcome of a certain situation will be. The truth is, is that we are never really able to predict any outcome with 100% certainty (except for death and taxes- yipee)! Often, when knowing is out of your hands, fear can settle in. Remember that you are trying your best and that you are doing everything that you can to achieve your desired outcome. This might help you to relax, even if just for a moment. If you’re not trying your best to kick fear’s butt and get your job done, then use fear as a motivating force.
Prepare for All Potential Outcomes
Because we never know what might happen, maintaining optimism while still considering and understanding alternative/less desired outcomes is important. You can overcome your fears by challenging yourself. The best and most valuable successes come with overcoming your fears. “Failures” along the way are also the ones that you will grow from the most.
Breathe
No matter what, as Alexi Murdoch says, “Keep your head above water but don’t forget to breathe.” A few deep breaths and a good grounding is one of the most valuable ways to quiet and overcome fears while processing and celebrating/releasing all that has occurred. Gratitude and self-compassion practices are helpful in having the energy to pick up and move forward.
Positive Thinking
Thinking positively changes the way that we approach situations and how we feel about ourselves. The switch from negativity to positivity quiets the unease that fear stirs up within you and allows you to gain more control over your beliefs, perception, thoughts and actions. Rather than thinking, “I don’t want to go if I don’t know anyone,” reframe the thought to, “this might be a good opportunity to learn about new people and form a possible connection. At the very least I’ll bump a few elbows.”
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