When you are afraid, you are limited to what you can accomplish. The reason behind this is that your fear stops you from maximizing your capabilities. This article lists down some of the most effective tips that will help you get rid of your fears and get more out of your life.
Understand what you are afraid of
One of the primary things that you can do to get rid of your fears and get more out of your life is to educate yourself and understand where your fear is coming from. There is a greater chance for you to be fearless if you know what you are afraid of because, in this way, you will learn how to control it rather than have your fear control you. This can prove to be the hardest step but it is necessary because you won’t be able to overcome your fear if it remains hidden in your subconscious.
Fear is not entirely a bad thing because it is primarily present to keep you safe. However, when your fear is already controlling you or limiting you from what you can do, then you need to take the necessary steps to overcome it. Rest assured that when you understand what you are afraid of and you remain in control of it. You are most likely to make better decisions to generate the results that you want to achieve in your life.
Use your brain and imagination positively
Another thing that you can do to get rid of your fear and make the most out of your life is to use your brain. As well as your imagination, positively. For instance, you can visualize a happy place by taking a moment and closing your eyes. A place of safety and calm in your mind could be anywhere such as a beautiful beach. Your bed, or even a happy childhood memory. Use the positive feeling that you get from imagining a happy place to soothe you until you are more relaxed.
As much as possible, conquer any negative thought that may just magnify what you are afraid of. In parallel to this, try to use a different side of your brain when you are already beginning to feel afraid. For example, when you are faced with something that you are afraid of, think of numbers and calculations instead. In this way, rather than focusing on the lobe of your brain responsible for feelings and emotions. Wou are working your brain to function logically.
You can also try to practice mindfulness. Which is a passive thinking activity that will allow you to be more aware of what you are afraid of. In instances wherein you start to recognize any fear symptoms arising. What you can do is to think about what is happening to you. Observe what you are experiencing but you don’t have to do anything about it. Rather, just sit and keep track of yourself as the moment you are experiencing unfolds.
Give yourself time
Overcoming your fear doesn’t happen overnight, which is why you should give yourself time. After all, it can be quite difficult to think clearly when you are afraid. For this reason, try to distract yourself from the thing. That you are afraid of by doing other things such as walking around the block or having a hot cup of tea. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to take quick action, but rather. You can also just stand there and pace yourself with the next steps that you need to take.
Breathe and face your fear
When you are afraid, remember to breathe because your breathing can be more important than you think. People who are having panic attacks usually experience shortness of breath that causes various negative effects on the body. The good thing is that deep breathing can be quite effortless because as soon as you recognize that you are beginning to feel afraid. You can already take a moment to focus on your breathing.
Just take in deep breaths and slowly let the air out. It is essential to ensure that your exhale is longer than your inhale to foster a sense of calmness. You don’t have to fight a faster heartbeat or prevent having sweaty palms. What you need to do instead is to just stay where you are and simply breathe slowly and deeply. In this way, you will be able to cope with panic, taking the fear that you are feeling away.
Talk about your fear
When you share your fear, somehow, their scariness is reduced. Perhaps this can be attributed to the fact that people feel a lot lighter. When they share their emotions, including what they are afraid of. In case you don’t feel comfortable talking about your fear to your family or your closest friends. You can always refer to a helpline run by people who are willing to help people get over their fears.
There is also the option for you to consider cognitive behavioral therapy but you have to talk this through with your general practitioner because there may be another treatment that will be more effective for you. Nevertheless, your doctor will be able to refer you to a specialist that you can talk to and help you in getting rid of your fear and anxiety.
Leverage peer pressure
If you have ever tried to bungee jump from a high bridge because all of your other friends are doing it. Then perhaps you will be able to conquer your fears with peer pressure. In this case, what you can do is surround yourself with the right people. Who will be able to encourage you to take risks and face the things that you are afraid of. Peer pressure can be beneficial if it is wielded positively.
Aside from this, you should also take the time to gain a certain sense of proportion by carefully evaluating whether. What you are afraid of is a great deal. There are instances wherein you may get so caught up with your present situation that you lose a sense of where you fit in with everything else that you value. Sometimes, all you need to do is to ask yourself about the worst thing that can happen because in some cases. The reality is that your fear itself is already greater than whatever it is that you are afraid of.
Embrace nature
Many people find therapy in nature which is why there is also the option for you to embrace nature to face your fears and make the most out of your life. After all, even if you seek help, you won’t always be inside the office of your therapist. Fortunately, you can always take the time to go out and bond with nature. You can even just stay for a moment in your backyard and bask under the sun. If you want to get moving. You can also try to take a walk and discover the natural beauty of parks or anything green that can be calming.
In parallel with the therapy that you garner from spending time in nature, the physical activity. That you engage in can also help you overcome your fear. The reason behind this is that when you move, your body will tend to release endorphins or your natural stress busters. The physical activity you engage in will also allow you to use your brain differently. Which can be a good transition from fearful thoughts to clarity in thinking.
Reward yourself
Finally, you need to ensure that you reward yourself for all your little wins when it comes to overcoming your fears. In this way, you will be motivated in facing what you are afraid of and eventually leading. A more fruitful life that is not limited or controlled by your fears. For instance, give yourself a treat after speaking in a public setting if that is one of the things that you are most afraid of doing. There is also the option for you to relax in a nice warm bath after you make a call that you have been dreading. Just keep in mind that in rewarding yourself for your small wins. You will be able to cope better and overcome your fears more effectively.
There are various ways on how you will be able to overcome your fears and maximize your capabilities. You can begin by understanding where your fear is coming from because, in this way, you will be able to use your brain and your imagination positively to get rid of your fears. Just remember to give yourself time and breathe. Talk about your fear if you have to and leverage the power of peer pressure in overcoming what you are afraid of. You can also find therapy in nature but always keep in mind to reward yourself for the small wins that you accomplish in terms of facing your fears. All these are geared towards ensuring that eventually. You will get more out of life because you have conquered your fears.