If fear and worry are so prominent in your life that it reminds you of the reality show "The Fear Factor," take heart, you are not alone. Many of us are struggling with the strange, new reality we find ourselves in 2017. The world has become a scary place in a lot of respects but we can't let fear of "what is" freeze us in our tracks.
Psychologists say fear is a good thing. It's our brain's warning system telling us that we could be in danger, a "heads-up" to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Fear is neither a sign of weakness or abnormality. It appears in varying degrees such as the scent of danger when you smell natural gas in your home to an incapacitating and debilitating fear such as the threat of a terrorist attack.
Some fears are learned, like the fear of certain people, places, animals or things due to a previous negative experience.
The good news is that fear CAN be conquered! Here's how:
Be aware
What is the source of your fear? Tackle it with curiosity. Read about it, challenge it, question it. Is the fear justified to take over the minutes, hours, days, perhaps your entire life experience?
You are NOT your fears
Connect with your true essence. What do you love most about yourself?
Meditate to refocus your thinking
Just five minutes can assist you in planning your thinking for the day.
Name it to tame it
Put your fears on paper for critical examination. Are they as overwhelming on paper as they are in your head? Now crunch that paper up into a ball and throw it into the garbage can or stomp on it. Whatever you prefer. :)
Put your fear in a box
Think about your fear for 10 minutes and then put it in a box and store it away for an hour. Tell yourself you can come back to visit it later.
Look for the absurd to add levity and humour
When we take a bird's-eye view of our fears, we can put them in perspective, put them in their place...is there a ridiculousness about the situation that you can snicker/laugh at?
Fear and exercise are poor companions
Exercise energizes and renews the spirit. Fear is diminished.
Music is medicine for the fear-induced mind.
Social media and the news can heighten your level of fear. Intentionally listening to calming music can soothe the soul and harness your fearful thoughts.
For more ideas on conquering fear, try my "Triple A" Formula to reduce stress and anxiety.