Everyone has some form of fear and may feel anxious from time to time, and usually these last for a short time and usually passes on, but they can also last much longer—leaving you stuck in a constant state of worry. They may affect your ability to eat, sleep, think, or enjoy life in general, holding you back from doing things you’ve always wanted or need to do, gradually affecting your overall health.
Although it can be challenging to break the cycle, it’s crucial for your optimal health and happiness. Luckily, there are several ways you can do it—helping you feel less fearful and let you cope with ease, allowing you to live life without worry.
Here are different ways you can fight your fears and anxiety.
Talk About It
Sharing your thoughts about your fears or anxiety can take away a lot of their scariness. The best way to do this is by telling your significant other, friend, or family about your issues. However, if you don’t have the luxury for this, you can call emergency helplines such as Breathing Space or Samaritans.
You can also try taking cognitive behavioral therapy sessions in-person, or if you don’t have the time for it, try attending teletherapy sessions to get the help you need in the convenience of your home. It’s best to share what you have on your mind instead of keeping it to yourself, as it lets you delve deeper into your fears.
Breathe
If you begin to get a faster heartbeat or feel your palms becoming sweaty, remember to breathe and pace yourself. Stay where you are, place your palm on your stomach, and breathe slowly and deeply. Doing this helps your mind get used to coping with panic attacks, eventually taking your fear away.
Face your Fears
Avoiding your fears will only make them worse. So, whatever you’re scared of, it’s best to face it—and you’ll see that it will gradually fade. For instance, if you panic getting into an elevator with the fear of it shutting down on you, go back into an elevator the next day, and it’ll eventually fade.
Challenge Your Fears
Challenging your fearful thoughts can sometimes help. For instance, if you’re scared of getting trapped in an elevator, remember if you’ve heard of this happening to someone else and ask yourself what you would say to them who had a similar fear. Doing this helps soothe your mind while giving you indirect solutions to your situation.
Visualize Your Happy Place
If you’re feeling particularly anxious, remember to breathe and take a moment to close your eyes and think of a place of safety and peace, or your “happy place.” It could be a scenario where you’re walking on a sandy beach or snuggled up on your living couch with your cat next to you, or a happy memory. Allowing your positive feelings to soothe you can distract you and gradually mitigate the feelings of fear and anxiousness.
Think the Opposite
All actions have a positive and negative perception. If someone gives you feedback, you can take it as criticism or look at it like others are helping you, and how you perceive it can make a huge difference. So, instead of focusing on the negatives, find something ‘good’ in what’s said or done. For instance, if it’s raining outside, see it as a chance to be productive around the house. Remember, your thoughts will determine your overall happiness and success, so instead of dwelling on the negatives, look at the brighter side—and you’ll see improvements and beat your anxiety in no time.
Whatever you fear or are anxious about, doing any of the strategies mentioned can help you cope with your day-to-day worries, fears, and general anxieties—helping you keep your joy and live life fearlessly.
