CONQUER YOUR FEARS
Try these six simple steps to overcome life’s challenges ELIZABETH BANKS BEYONCÉ
We all deal with fears, stress and anxiety at times of change, and that’s especially true as we continue to deal with a global crisis. Managing worry or panic is a natural part of life and brings our attention to the fact that, in this particular moment, something is missing for us – usually a feeling of safety or certainty. Here are some easy techniques from body-mind analyst Suzanne Masefield to help stabilise and centre yourself whenever you feel worries creeping in.
. BREAK IT DOWN
When you’re facing a new challenge, one that elicits fear or stress, the first thing to do is to break it down into a series of small steps. Complete each small step one at a time to make the challenge manageable and to increase your chances of success.
. TAKE A BREATH
Sometimes when we get stressed everything seems to happen all at once. When this occurs, take a deep breath and focus your mind away from the challenge for a few minutes. Get some fresh air, listen to music or do an activity that will give you a fresh perspective on the situation.
. VISUALISE
At times, we can experience fearful thoughts that may be difficult to manage. Visualise a red stop sign to interrupt any negative thoughts. Take a breath and replace the thought with a positive affirmation such as, “I’m always given the courage to move through difficult situations and succeed.”
. GET THE FACTS
When we encounter challenging situations that upset us, it’s valuable to remember to get all the facts. Gathering relevant information prevents us from scaring ourselves with exaggerated and fearful assumptions. Check what’s real and what’s imagined by asking yourself, “Is this likely? What’s the worst that could happen? What support could I get to help me with this?”
. REFOCUS
We always have a choice to either dwell on the negative things in life or concentrate on all the positive things around us, acknowledging and being grateful for them. Energy flows where attention goes – whatever we focus on becomes bigger in our minds, so be careful what you focus on.
. TAKE ACTION
Ask yourself, “What small action can I take right now that will make me feel in charge?” Then take it! Actually doing something gets you moving, rather than going round and round in your head, and empowers you to work through any fears and anxieties that pop up, one step at a time.
Remember that everyone faces fears at some time in their lives, especially when they’re trying new things. It’s normal! Overcoming these anxieties is not always easy, and might take some hard work and persistence, but by using strategies to face, move through and overcome fear, your trust in your own abilities grows, along with your self-confidence.
You could look at fear as a positive opportunity to grow because it’s moving you towards a place where you have more self-belief, strength and determination – how good is that?!