How to Overcome Any Fear
Whether it’s heights, flying, or public speaking, a profound fear can compromise the quality of your life. Don’t live with yours another minute.
Up next in Self-Help & Improvement (51 videos)
Learn 50 ways to improve yourself with the tips in these Howcast videos.
You Will Need
- A journal, notebook, or paper
- Foods high in tryptophan
- Orange juice
- Soothing essential oils
Steps
-
Step 1
Write it out
Write down exactly what you’re afraid of and why. Research shows that putting your fears in writing can be empowering, giving you more confidence and helping you realize that some things you’re worried about are plain ridiculous.
-
Step 2
Have a mantra
Pick an encouraging mantra like ‘'I can handle this' or 'Nothing can harm me,' and repeat it in your head whenever you have to do something that scares you. Psychologists say this instills courage.
-
Step 3
Make a fist
The next time you have to do something scary, make a fist, hold it for 10 seconds, then release. Sounds silly, but this reduces fear by relaxing muscle tension.
-
Step 4
Eat more turkey
Eat more turkey, cheese, and nuts. They all contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps people feel less anxious.
-
Drink a big glass of orange juice before you have to face any fear. Vitamin C lowers stress hormones in as little as 15 minutes!
-
Step 5
Use soothing oils
Use soothing essential oils. Available in health food stores, they have been used to battle stage fright, face frightening medical procedures, and deal with trauma. According to the directions, put a few drops on your wrist or under your tongue until you feel calmer.
-
Step 6
Face your fear
Face your fear—again and again and again. Research shows that repeatedly confronting your fear can suppress your fright response. In fact, experts say up to 90% of phobics can overcome a specific fear with this technique, known as 'exposure therapy.'
-
Step 7
Ask your doctor
Ask your doctor about medications that have shown promise in reducing fear when a person is faced with the scary situation.
-
Kids are terrified by clowns. A poll conducted by an English university found that all 250 patients in a pediatric ward were afraid of clowns, a condition known as coulrophobia.
