Fear is the most powerful emotion that can influence the human mind. It has a strong impact on your mind, body, and soul. While fear is necessary, sometimes, it can get to the extent that it begins interfering with your everyday life.
For example, fear is important in the case of fire as it helps you respond quickly. However, it can also occur when you’re in public, going for an exam, or starting a new job. In this case, you must fight your fears as they can hold you back.
Here’s how you can fight your fears and take control of your life.
Clear Your Mind
When you enter the “fear” stage, your mind will be cluttered with thoughts that affect your ability to think clearly. Soon, fear and anxiety begin to take over, making it difficult for you to think, breathe, or do anything.
When that happens, you need to sit down and calm yourself by distracting your mind. Clear the bad thoughts by walking around, taking a bath, or having a cup of tea (not coffee, as it can increase anxiety). Clearing your mind will help you think more rationally.
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.
When you start feeling sweaty, and your heartbeat gets faster, don’t panic and don’t fight this feeling either. The more you do that, the worse it’ll get. Instead, find a peaceful corner wherever you are and close your eyes. Start concentrating on your breath as you breathe in and out and this will help you focus.
Count your breathing motion 15 times, and soon your mind will be distracted, and the heartbeat will go back to normal.
Face Your Fears
Avoiding your fears only worsens matters. Confronting helps you overcome the issue and move forward. When you face your fear the first time, it’ll be scary, and you’ll feel an overwhelming adrenaline rush. However, it’ll feel less scary the second time, and soon you’ll forget what you used to fear in the first place.
Imagine the Worst
As soon as things start going south, our mind begins panicking by thinking about all the “what ifs” that worsen the situation. When this happens, try thinking about the worst possible thing that could happen to you. This reverse mechanism might make you more scared of what you’re thinking, but it’ll help reduce the fear of what might happen.
Don’t Try to Be Perfect
“Perfect” is just a term and means nothing in reality. We’re humans who are bound to make mistakes because that’s how we learn. So, if your biggest fear is making mistakes, let it go. It just adds to the stress and makes it difficult to enjoy life. Instead, whenever you make a mistake, take note and learn from it. That’s the best we can do.
Life is already full of stress; the least we can do is add to it. I am Akwasi Frimpong, Ghana’s first skeleton OlympicOlympian from the 2018 Pyeonchang Winter Olympic Games. My journey was not easy, especially as Ghana’s first African representing in Winter Olympics. But I didn’t give up or stop until I achieved my goals, and I’m here to help you do the same as a motivational speaker.
Check out my blogs to learn more.