Fear
Fear, it is normally described as the feeling we get when we are in a threatening situation, it alerts us to the presence of danger or harm by activating some biochemical reactions in our bodies to protect us.
These responses can be physical or emotional
Fear Responses
The physical response is called the fight-or-flight response, which your body prepares to confront danger or run away. This is an almost automatic response of our bodies.
On the other hand, the emotional response is much more personal, since each person responds differently to fear, depending on their personality, age, and culture.
Fear doesn't only occur in situations where we are physically in danger; it also occurs when we face something unknown, and our brain interprets it as a threat. For example, public speaking or meeting new people.
In some situations, fears can become so great that they prevent us from trying new things.
That's why it's important that, even though fears are inevitable in some situations, we manage them and don't let them become an obstacle in our lives.
These are some of the strategies I use to manage this emotion.
Ask yourself, what's the worst that can happen? And what's the best that can happen? That way you realize if the risk is worth it. For example, when speaking in public, the worst thing is probably that you make a mistake, something that people will forget in a few hours, while the best thing that can happen is that you do well, everyone congratulates you, and you feel proud of having achieved it.
You've probably heard this many times before, but before doing anything that scares you, take several deep breaths. It's a way to control the hyperventilation we usually experience when we're afraid, and it helps our nervous system stop feeling threatened, calming our body.
Before taking a risk, speak clearly and firmly to yourself, let yourself know that you are capable of doing anything and that everything will turn out well.