How To Confront Your Fears Anxiety-Free

Facing our fears isn't an easy task for anyone of any age and we tend to run from our fears or expect them to disappear with time. Reducing the anxiety caused by your fear is crucial to facing it and overcoming it.

Make a Joke of It

If facing your fear seems like a scary task, think of it as Halloween. We dress up in costumes to make light of the terrifying monsters we so feared as children. You may feel physical symptoms of anxiety when placing yourself in the body of your fear; understand that by becoming your fear, by placing yourself in the unknown and making light of the situation you will be more likely to overcome it.

Create Goals

Not every fear is overcome in a single day. Approach your fears as if they were goals. Break them down into one small goal at a time; if you have social anxiety and fear meeting new people or being in new situations, start by saying hi to a stranger or asking someone to lunch. Break your fear into smaller goals to overcome it overtime, and reduce the stress and anxiety you feel when facing your goal all at once.

Break out of your Shell

Fear is caused by the unknown. Sometimes shaking up your routine or doing something differently can bring new perspective and clarity on something you once feared. Don't worry about making a fool of yourself; trying something new and failing at it is half of the fun. Every day or week, make a small goal to try something you've never done. Afterward, you'll feel invigorated and excited; the anxiety medication you thought you needed to face the day may no longer be necessary.

Talk About Them

Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can help you come to terms with and resolve your fear. Bringing other people into your situation can help bring a new perspective to your fear or help you understand it differently. Hearing someone else's experience of facing your fear may give you the motivation and inspiration to go out and beat it.

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