10 reasons why a dose of fear is good for you

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT ONCE SAID “DO ONE THING EVERY DAY THAT SCARES YOU.”

She was onto something. Science has shown that feeling fear—in the right dose—has several benefits. Taking manageable risks as you embark on a new adventure, whether it’s as daring as threading a mountain bike between Canadian Rockies boulders or as cautious as participating in a cooking class, can induce that desired smidgeon of fear.

So when you feel a little shiver going down your spine before undertaking a new endeavour, embrace it. Here’s why:

1. FEAR KEEPS YOU SAFE.

Fear acts as an internal danger alarm. It compels you to action and helps you make wise and prudent decisions.

When you get scared, your body reacts physically so that you can handle danger in what’s known as the fight-or-flight response. Without fear, you might dart across a busy road and fail to act in that split second when you realize that a car is racing toward you. Fear provides the energy, focus, speed and strength to fight or flee.

2. FEAR HELPS YOU LOSE WEIGHT.

Feeling a bit of fear burns more calories than when you’re not afraid. As your pulse quickens, your body receives a surge of adrenaline. Your metabolism ratchets into high gear and starts to burn sugar and fat. In one London study, people who watched a horror movie used up an average of 113 calories—about the equivalent of what they would burn on a half-hour walk.

3. FEAR TEMPORARILY BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.

In a 2009 experiment conducted at Coventry University in the U.K., blood samples were taken from participants before and after they viewed a horror flick. After watching the film, the subjects experienced a rise in activated white blood cells, markers of immune system strength.

4. FEELING THE RIGHT DOSE OF FEAR IS FUN AND EXCITING.

Speaking of horror movies, many people scare themselves deliberately—and not just around Halloween. They ride roller coasters, go skydiving or shoot notorious white-water rapids.

The adrenaline boost you get from stepping outside your comfort zone increases arousal and glucose (converted into energy). Your senses buzz to life—and that’s exciting.

5. FEAR GIVES YOU A NATURAL HIGH AND A SENSE OF EMPOWERMENT.

Not only is adrenaline released when you feel fear but other chemicals, as well, such as dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. There’s a good reason for that: serotonin, in particular, helps your brain work more efficiently. Fear is energy.

For example, if you’re a runner and you tackle the same three-mile loop every day, you’re much less likely to get a runner’s high than if you find an unfamiliar place with some precarious footing where you’ll be a bit scared and really need to focus. The brain craves new challenges; it’s the key to neuroplasticity.

And every time you come through a challenge and accomplish your goals, you feel empowered. This natural, biological high often lasts longer than the time you spent feeling scared, which is why you feel so great afterward.

6. FEAR HELPS YOU MANAGE STRESS AND RELAXES YOU.

Stress is fear-based. You worry that things won’t turn out in a beneficial way. Under stress, your body and brain are bombarded with adrenaline and dopamine, natural opioids that make the “noise” in your head fade. It’s nearly impossible to think about everyday worries when you’re scared. A dose of fear, then, is an “eraser” for the mind, calming you.

7. FEAR HELPS YOU STAY IN THE PRESENT MOMENT AND TO FOCUS.

Norepinephrine, a hormone that’s released when you’re scared, keeps you focused instead of panicked. It aids in thinking clearly under stress, so you concentrate on whatever planning or work that needs to be done.

8. FEAR SOCIALIZES YOU AND BONDS YOU TO OTHER PEOPLE.

Feeling fear releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with prosocial behavior.

Oxytocin makes you seek out the comfort of others. The brain’s instinct is to pair with other humans to increase the chances of survival. The classic image of people huddling together on the couch while watching a scary movie is a perfect example.

9. FEAR ALLOWS YOU TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST.

When you fear something, you have a choice: you can let that fear stop you, or you can face it head-on and expand your opportunities.

Being afraid of something can alert you to an area of your life that is limiting you. Engage in an activity that you’re afraid of, and you’ll create a varied and full life with fewer regrets.

10. FEAR GIVES YOU CLARITY ON WHAT’S REALLY IMPORTANT IN LIFE.

When you’re fearful for a sick child, an aging parent or about a career move, your fear can clarify what is truly consequential.

Some say where fear meets courage is the sweet spot where mountains get scaled and rivers are run. Most of all, fear can be the birthplace of change, creativity and innovation.

We should all embrace our fear; the helpful kind that comes in small doses. As Eleanor Roosevelt suggested, a little fear transforms us into better, healthier and more engaged people.