Fear is a feeling induced by perceived danger or threat that occurs in certain types of organisms, which causes a change in metabolic and organ functions and ultimately a change in behavior, such as fleeing, hiding, or freezing from perceived traumatic events. Fear in human beings may occur in response to a certain stimulus occurring in the present, or in anticipation or expectation of a future threat perceived as a risk to body or life. The fear response arises from the perception of danger leading to confrontation with or escape from/avoiding the threat (also known as the fight-or-flight response), which in extreme cases of fear (horror and terror) can be a freeze response or paralysis.
And here are the ten helpful ways to overcome fears
1. Imagine the worst
Try imagining the worst thing that can happen – perhaps it’s panicking and having a heart attack. Then try to think yourself into having a heart attack. It’s just not possible. The fear will run away the more you chase it.
2. Do not try to be perfect
Life is full of stresses, yet many of us feel that our lives must be perfect.Bad days and setbacks will always happen, and it’s important to remember that life is messy.
3. Look at the evidence
It sometimes helps to challenge fearful thoughts.For example, if you’re scared of getting trapped in a lift and suffocating, ask yourself if you have ever heard of this happening to someone. Ask yourself what you would say to a friend who had a similar fear.
4. Visualize a happy place
Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine a place of safety and calm. It could be a picture of you walking on a beautiful beach, or snuggled up in bed with the cat next to you, or a happy memory from childhood.
5. Breathe through panic
If you start to get a faster heartbeat or sweating palms, the best thing is not to fight it.Stay where you are and simply feel the panic without trying to distract yourself.Place the palm of your hand on your stomach and breathe slowly and deeply. The goal is to help the mind get used to coping with panic, which takes the fear of fear away.
6. Talk about it
Sharing fears takes away a lot of their scariness. If you cannot talk to a partner, friend or family member, call a helpline such as Samaritans .If your fears are not going away, you can refer yourself directly to a psychological therapies service.
7. Reward yourself
Give yourself a treat. When you have made that call you have been dreading, for example, reinforce your success by treating yourself to a massage, a country walk, a meal out, a book, or whatever little gift makes you happy.
8. Take time out
It’s impossible to think clearly when you’re flooded with fear or anxiety. The first thing to do is take time out so you can physically calm down. Distract yourself from the worry for 15 minutes by going for a walk, making a cup of tea or having a bath.
9. Go back to basics
Lots of people turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with anxiety, but this will only make matters worse. Simple, everyday things like a good night’s sleep, a wholesome meal and a walk are often the best cures for anxiety.
10. Face your fears
Finally avoiding fears only makes them scarier. Whatever your fear, if you face it, it should start to fade. If you panic one day getting into a lift, for example, it’s best to get back into a lift the next day.
