The Right Ways to Overcome Excessive Fear

                                            

It is normal to feel scared, from the fear of losing someone you love or just watching a horror movie. Fear is part of the natural human instinct for survival, but too much can have negative consequences. However, there are various ways to get rid of excessive fear. 

How can fear arise?

Fear can occur in two stages, namely a biochemical reaction and an emotional response. When we feel afraid, the body will automatically release the stress hormone adrenaline in large quantities. This is a biochemical reaction, which then causes several physical reactions such as profuse sweating and heart palpitations. These biochemical reactions occur in all situations that trigger fear. Ranging from real things, such as fear or anxiety about major surgery, to those triggered by emotional conditions, such as fear of speaking in public or stage fright. Eventually, this fear will trigger an emotional response, such as anxiety or a desire to avoid. On the other hand, fear triggered by emotional states tends to be more subjective and not always realistic. For example, fear of socializing with people is shown in people who have social phobia. This can be caused by excessive anxiety about a certain thing or condition so that there is a desire to avoid it at all costs. This emotional state can also trigger the same biochemical reactions in the body as well as cause anxiety disorders that can last for a long time.

Therefore, when the fear you have feels excessive, it is better to find the right way to eliminate or overcome it.

How to overcome excessive fear?

1. Face fear

Actually, one of the simplest ways to get rid of fear is to face the fear itself. This may sound very difficult to do, but that doesn't mean you can't do it, right? Constantly avoiding things that make you feel afraid will actually hinder things you should or want to do. It could be that before you started trying to do something, you had already backed away because you were haunted by fear. Therefore, the most effective way to get rid of fear is to face it. It might be difficult at first, but over time, you'll get used to it until the fear goes away on its own.

2. Calm yourself

When you feel afraid, you may feel various physical symptoms that cause discomfort. In fact, these symptoms actually make the atmosphere and conditions worse. Therefore, to be able to conquer fear, you must be in a relaxed state and free from stress. The way to get rid of fear is to calm yourself physically and mentally first. This can be done by taking deep breaths, drinking water, or trying to distract yourself from the fear by taking a short walk while listening to upbeat music.

3. Recognize the triggers of your anxiety and fear

According to the Mental Health Foundation, one way to overcome or eliminate excessive fear is to identify the trigger first. If possible, try to keep a journal whenever you feel afraid to overdo it. From these journal entries, you will be able to understand what is really going on and when the fear arises. You can also write down simple goals to help deal with these fears if they arise again in the future.

4. Think more positively

When you have excessive fear, it tends to make you more pessimistic when faced with various things. There are just negative thoughts that haunt, even before you give yourself a chance to try it. Excessive negative thoughts can also prevent you from developing because from these thoughts fear is formed. Therefore, start filling your mind with positive things. Believing that everything will be okay and turn your anxiety into a positive thing when you're going through something you're afraid of are ways you can try to get rid of your fear. This can make you more immune to the stresses that come with being scared.

5. Imagine the worst that could happen

Try to think of the worst that could happen. For example, the worst that could happen if you did the thing you were afraid of, for example, had a panic attack or a heart attack. Then, position yourself for a heart attack. If that seems highly unlikely, it's probably just popping up in your mind. Not only that, when you predict the worst that might happen, you will be better prepared to deal with the cause of your fear.

6. Accept reality

Accepting reality will be much easier to make you feel calm and more prepared to face fears. That's why it's important to remember that bad things happen naturally and that you can't control everything in this world.

7. Avoid venting it on alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes

Try to always minimize the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal drugs, if you feel the need to distance yourself from anxiety. Instead, try healthier ways, such as getting enough rest and a good night's sleep to reduce stress when trying to get rid of your fears.