Handling Your Fear

Fear is a basic emotional response we all experience when threatened or in danger. Fear is a feature of your brain’s hardware that is a psychological construct. As soon as you recognize fear, your brain sets off the Amygdala. This tells your nervous system to either freeze in place or run away, depending on the situation. This is known as the fight-or-flight response. Fear can present itself in many ways. Sweating, dizziness, and chills are just a few symptoms you’ll experience. When you handle your fear responses in a friendly, healthy way, it can increase your chances of overall survival. It can also lower your risk of developing an anxiety or stress-related disorder. Here’s how to do just that.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an art and a science. It is a holistic healing treatment method. It is sometimes called essential oil therapy. The practice of aromatherapy has been used since the Neolithic Period, 12,000 years ago. Today, the limited research conducted in aromatherapy has caused it to gain recognition in multiple scientific and medical fields. These anecdotal reports claim that it can lower your anxiety risk, which is the main trigger for fear. Aromatherapy comes in three main forms; essential oils, incense, and candles. Scents that have been proven to be beneficial in reducing fear are those that are classified as natural scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood.

Grounding Yourself

By grounding yourself, you’ll be able to help yourself gain a better understanding of the situation and events that cause you to fear. While grounding yourself, you’ll want to follow the 333 Rule. A useful tool for managing fear at the moment. The 333 Rule involves looking around the area you are currently in and naming three nearby objects, identifying three sounds you can hear, and touching three objects. By calming down at that moment, it’ll increase your chances of making better decisions. It is a simple and effective method that many people swear by. Another popular grounding technique is journaling. Journaling provides you with a safe place to vent the hard feelings you are experiencing.

Don’t Resist It

Fear is a natural part of life. The most successful way to fight your fear to face it head-on. Fear can prevent you from experiencing new opportunities and social interactions. You’ll want to start small to prevent overwhelming yourself, from making it worse. Keep facing your fear in small doses until you’re comfortable with it. For better success, do it with some trustworthy friends and family members. Making baby steps is better than no steps at all, so it is okay to take your time on each one. Learning how to face your fear in a controlled environment increases your chance of handling it when an emergency arises that requires you to face it head-on in full force.

Maintaining A Healthy Life

By performing regular healthy habits, you can prevent fear from becoming unmanageable in your life. Low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, and tai chi can boost your mood while calming your mind. Relaxing hobbies like knitting and gardening can help your brain unwind after a long, stressful day. Eating a diet rich in omega-3s and proteins gives your body the nutrients it needs to handle the complex emotion of fear. If you find your situation unbearable, consult your problems with a therapist or counselor that you are comfortable with. Talk to your doctor about medications that might be helpful to your situation, such as benzodiazepines and antidepressants.

You Can’t Control Everything

Despite your best efforts, nothing will ever go according to plan 100% of the time. Life is a bumpy road and you can’t change that. You’ll want to treat every negative experience as a teaching moment to make your life better. Appreciate these uncontrollable moments, even if you don’t like it. Murphy’s Law states anything that can go wrong will go wrong. By accepting and adjusting your life accordingly, you’ll be able to lower your fear level when you face a similar situation again, as history often repeats itself ten times worse. By letting go of the past and embracing the future, you’ll help your brain develop the inner confidence that you need to thrive in a fearful environment.