"Brave is not the one who has no fear, but the one who knows how to overcome it" (Nelson Mandela)
Fear is one of the 6 universal emotions along with anger, sadness, disgust, joy and surprise. The fears as a basic emotion with which we are born are: the fear of loud noises and the fear of falling from a great height.
During life, however, we acquire other fears, such as fear of death, fear of deep water, fear of failure, fear of change, fear of loneliness, and the list goes on.
Fear is a primal emotion that involves a normal body response to something that appears to be physically or emotionally (at a psychological level), real or imagined, dangerous. In moments of fear, physical, bodily reactions occur, such as: agitation, chest pain, nausea, changes in breathing, increased heart rate, sweating, tremors. Emotionally there is sadness, a feeling of losing control, a feeling of fatigue and a sense of imminent danger.
However, fear has an essential role, by experiencing this emotion we are able to protect and mobilize ourselves, we become aware of danger, we are alert, we keep ourselves safe and alive - fight or flight. However, we can also talk about the effect and negative impact of fear on us when it prevents us from carrying out pleasant activities such as boating (fear of water), traveling by plane (fear of heights) or we do not make exactly the right decisions that create safety for us and others, or hinder us in our evolution (fear of public speaking).
Techniques we can practice to overcome fear, worry and anxiety include:
⸰ accept what you feel
⸰ focus on positive thoughts
⸰ be aware of your intentions
⸰ practice self-care/self-care
⸰ accept things that are out of your control
⸰ recognize irrational thoughts
⸰ practice relaxation techniques - become moment by moment aware of your thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations and your surroundings
⸰ practice desensitization
⸰ spend time in nature
⸰ learn breathing techniques.
Face your fears and soar!
Psychologist Carmen Mariana Ardeleanu
