Befriending your fear

Especially during these unpredictable times, we get to know by heart how daunting and paralyzing fear can be.

Where your fear is, there is?your task - Carl Jung

Fear is an unavoidable part of the human experience, for which our first instinctive response is to repel and escape.

The thing is, every emotion we feel is there for a reason, and running or trying to avoid it won't send it away.

After anxiety and panic attacks hit close to home, I've learned to look at fear from a different perspective, turning it into a source of power and growth.

Under the discomfort of our body's fight-or-flight response instigating us to take action, we fall for security and relief, running right away.

The secret lies right in the gap between the body and mind interaction.

You have the power to decide and respond.

To turn off your auto-pilot mode, consciously take a step back and break the loop.

The key to befriending your fear is learning to slow down your mind consciously and consistently.

Here are some tips on how to do that.

1. Acceptance - as said before, fear is as valid as any other human facet, and for a good reason. Allow yourself to feel scared and go (and grow) through it instead of away.
2. Listen to yourself - fear will rarely blow out if you keep track of your feelings, taking some "me time" to reflect on your life.
3. One step at a time - there's no place to rush when it comes to mental health. Set small and feasible goals toward working and conquering your fear.

Sending good vibes your way,

Luis Soares