9 Ways to Combat Fear

Fear gets to the best of us, whether it is fear of failure, fear of success or even fear of fear. All of us have experienced fear at some point in our lives and it can be a real stumbling block that holds us back from being truly successful.

Fear can’t hold you back forever, if you don’t let it. There are several ways to overcome fear, here are my top 9:

1. SEPARATE REALITY FROM PERCEPTION

Ask yourself what is really going on, locate the facts and place them over your feelings. The mind has a really good way of telling us exactly the fears that we have, and the key here is to be the observer of your thoughts and identify if this is coming from a place of fear or a place of reality. I like to practise standing grounded, with my heart space open, filtering information that comes in.

2. IDENTIFY THE TRIGGER

Figure out what it is exactly in the situation that triggers you. Learning to identify it will help you learn to combat it. Triggers help you to understand where growth can occur. Even though in the moment, it is a difficult thing to experience, I always thank myself for bringing to my awareness an area that needs healing. The trigger will be tied to a past experience or many past experiences that haven't been healed or it is still unresolved for you. It is your subconscious feelings being brought to the surface, the conscious, to be addressed.

3. KNOW WHERE FEAR LIVES IN YOUR BODY

A lot of times, fear takes over and manifest as a metaphysical symptom in the body. It affects different people different ways. Identify if/how it affects your physical body and take some time to dedicate yourself to healing and understanding your body. For example: if you hold stress in your back, you can learn stretches, foam rolling, etc. to avoid the pain. Back pain is often related to not feeling supported. If you get headaches, it may be because you are too much in the mind, and a balancing between the heart and mind through meditation may bring relief. If you are experiencing calf pain, it can often be related to jealousy harboured. Tight shoulders, is often due to people feeling like the weight of the world on 'their shoulders.' These are just a few examples, but you can go inwards and ask your body what is this pain from, you will receive the answer. This may take sometime to get used to, if you haven't done this before, but it is YOUR body, and if you practise tuning into it, the answers will be revealed.

4. PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Everyday, list out 1-3 things you are thankful for. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, gratitude helps shift the mind into a positive light, which overtime, overcomes fear. I often remind myself that there are many things that I can take for granted, that is only someone else's dream to have!

5. LISTEN TO YOUR INNER VOICE

Monitor your inner conversations. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself. Speak positively to yourself and remind yourself of your strengths, trust me there are many!! You really have to be your own best friend and biggest cheerleader. My daughter (1yr old) & I kiss ourselves in the big hallway mirror everyday when we get home. I want her to have a wholesome and loving relationship with herself, but it starts with me!

6. CREATE A NEW ASSOCIATION

Remind yourself that the feeling and the moment will pass. Focus on the positive outcome of the situation, rather than the scary in between.

7. LOOK AT THE GLASS HALF FULL

Perception is a very powerful thing, and how you feel about your situation dictates how you respond. So think positively and you’ll give yourself a much better chance of success. This won’t happen overnight; practice with just one thought. What is one recurring negative/fearful thought you have? Work on reversing this one thought. Overtime, this will become a habit.

8. PRACTICE BREATHING EXERCISES

Breathing helps center your body; when you stop breathing, your heart stops beating. You can do a grounding exercise, or even just take 5 deep, long breaths at any point to calm and center yourself. It is best to start your day with this, but feel free to practice whenever you feel overwhelmed or need a moment to yourself.

9. CREATE A SAFE SPACE

When you feel safe and secure, there is no room for fear. Find somewhere safe you can retreat to when ill feelings begin- whether this is a real place such as your bedroom, or a place in your mind, such as the beach. This sense of comfort will soothe you and allow you to face your fear.

Please keep in mind, these are just 9 strategies, not everything works for everyone. But this is a place to start. Start implementing these techniques into your life and don’t let fear hold you back from reaching your goals and your highest potential this year! You got this BABE! xo