Fear and worry are two inevitable parts of being human. This has always been the case. These days, however, fear and worry have practically become just another form of social media “content.” Our endless scrolling often serves up too much of both emotions.
We’d all be living healthier lives if we could instead address the fear and worry. This includes, of course, tackling their underlying roots. Then, best of all, we’d discover powerful new means to let them go. Rather than feeding the stress, we can channel our precious energy into a more positive mindset and constructive choices.
Fear & Worry Can Be Healthy or Unhealthy
Without fear and worry, you wouldn’t be here to read these words. We are hard-wired to sense and avoid danger. Survival is in our genes. Those moments when we identify risky situations are moments that can save our lives. In other words, the goal is never to eliminate fear and worry. The goal, as usual, is to find a healthy balance.
When we lose perspective, we fall back on fear and worry in unhealthy ways. Everything becomes a catastrophe. If we trigger our fight-or-flight response unnecessarily or too often, our bodies face undue stress. The detrimental outcomes may include:
- Sleep disruption
- Digestive issues
- Muscle aches and tension
- Irritability, fatigue, and poor concentration
- Nervous reactions like trembling, shaky voice, and sweating
- Anxiety disorders
8 Healthy Ways to Let Go of Fear & Worry
1. Recognize When You’ve Lost Perspective
Take stock of your current state of mind. Do you find yourself obsessing and fixating? Are you easily launched into a fit of panic? Making an honest appraisal is a good first step toward solutions.
2. Identify Your Triggers
Each of us has triggers that ignite fear and worry. Being aware of these triggers allows us to modify our behavior. This can set us up for success in our efforts to change.
3. Step Away From Those Devices
Firstly, our phones and computers provide an endless supply of reasons to freak out. Secondly, they trick us — with those oh-so-soothing notifications — into seeking false paths of self-soothing. This is not to say technology is bad, but it can be a major anxiety trigger.
4. Take Responsibility for Your Health
The best version of you is best equipped to manage anxiety. This means prioritizing a daily focus on sleep patterns, eating habits, and stress management.
5. Sweat It Out!
While you’re in self-care mode, be sure to include daily exercise and activity. The health benefits are vast and well-documented. Excellent side effect: burning off stress while burning those calories.
6. Create!
You don’t need to be a famous artist to express yourself. Get creative to counterbalance your anxiety.
7. Accept the Risks
Control what you can control. Life is unpredictable and risk cannot be eliminated. The sooner we accept this reality, the sooner we’ll find the balance we seek.
8. Help Others
Fear and worry frequently wither in the face of altruism. Make helping others a daily part of your life.
Fear & Worry Can Be Stubborn
There is so much we can do to help ourselves manage fear and worry. We can identify when it’s helpful. In other instances, we can identify when triggers appear and how it manifests.
But what about those times when fear and worry will not back down in the face of our resistance?
It helps to have an ally — someone to guide you through the maze of difficult emotions that are resistant to change. There are many proven therapeutic approaches available to address fear, worry, and the anxiety they cause. Explore your counseling options. Consider a consultation with me. Most of all, make peace with the fear and worry in your life.
