Fear

We’ve all been there. 

Everything is going fine and suddenly it’s not so we snap into our fear response, but there is no “normal” way to respond to fear. It is a powerful emotion that we naturally just react to in our own way and based on our own experiences. 

When something goes wrong, how do you respond? Do you freeze? Do you jump into action? Do you go into a panic? 

Fear reactions are our bodies’ way of responding to danger. We react to protect ourselves by fighting or fleeing. Sometimes we flee into ourselves and freeze because we cannot handle the extreme situation. So how do you regain calm and control after that initial reaction?

Just breathe and take a break.

I know it sounds cliche and boring, but it is the easiest, fastest way to get your mind and body to slow down. Seriously, it’s science. When you take slow, deep, purposeful breaths, your heart slows, your blood pressure drops, and your body physically slows down giving you a chance to recognize and handle the emotional stress.

Here are some tips to get the most out of deep breathing:

• Step away from the stressor and go somewhere quiet if possible (if you have ear buds, listening to calming music or guided meditation can be helpful in places where quiet isn’t possible)
• Close your eyes and focus on how your breath feels and sounds
• Breath in through your nose to a count of 5
• Hold the breath for 3 seconds
• Breath out through you mouth for a count of 5
• Repeat the breath 3-5 times then take a break

It is best to practice this everyday during times when you are already calm to help associate it with that calm but it can be useful in any high stress situation. 

How do you currently handle fear and stress? Please feel free to drop your comments and questions below and don’t forget to share!

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