Finding smart ways of dealing with fear and anxiety effectively is of great importance to millions of people worldwide. There are many examples of fear and anxiety issues, for instance the person who refuses to drive because they had a serious automobile accident many years ago, the person who won't venture above the second floor due to fear of heights, the person who won't eat fish because they got sick after a meal, or the golfer who missed that key short put in the big tournament and now has a bad case of the yips (tendency to miss short puts). The list of examples is endless and there are many ways for dealing with fear and anxiety issues. Some good, some bad, and some downright whacky.
That said, there is no more effective way of dealing with fear and anxiety than through exposure. While the most obvious way to do this is direct exposure, I would like to take to you down another path utilizing your imagination rather than subjecting yourself to creepy crawly things or a hair raising event.
Most people who are dealing with fear and anxiety still have a vivid visual image of the traumatizing event seared into their memory. For example, the individual who just says no to fish will start to feel fear and anxiety if he/she sees someone else eating fish. So exposure, even on a demised level, can be difficult to handle. On the other hand using your mind to conjure up an experience will usually produce less anxiety. The key words are less anxiety! In other words a kinder gentler approach.
You may initially think that viewing fears through your mind's eye wouldn't make you anxious at all. Well think again! In fact most people find that when they picture their fears in vivid detail, their bodies react fairly intensely. As one gradually becomes more comfortable with the thought of their fear they start to become less sensitive to the real thing until one day they wake up and it is no big deal.
Let's look at a five step approach for doing this effectively.
*The first step is preparation through controlled deep diaphragm breathing. Once you get relaxed and focused you will know it is time to start.
*Next picture yourself as you confront your fears. For example if you are afraid of driving, visualize yourself getting behind the wheel. Pay attention to detail by noticing the radio station that is playing and the seat color and position. How does it smell? Do you have plenty of gas?
*Once you get that vivid image keep track of your anxiety making sure the image is making you nervous. If not, continue to add puzzle pieces in your mind until you start to feel it. For example, imaging starting the engine and putting it in gear. Is someone honking at you as you back out?
*Once your fear and anxiety have become a reality keep the picture in your mind until you feel the tension level drop significantly. A good rule of thumb is to wait until your stress level has dropped by 50 percent or more.
*And finally, end your session with the same deep diaphragm breathing technique that you started the exercise with.
In summary, dealing with fear and anxiety is not an easy process. It requires a patient approach that often lasts for months or even years. For this reason many of those dealing with fear and anxiety have found
herbal remedies for anxiety to be an indispensable tool for speeding up the healing and recovery process.
That said, there is no more effective way of dealing with fear and anxiety than through exposure. While the most obvious way to do this is direct exposure, I would like to take to you down another path utilizing your imagination rather than subjecting yourself to creepy crawly things or a hair raising event.
Most people who are dealing with fear and anxiety still have a vivid visual image of the traumatizing event seared into their memory. For example, the individual who just says no to fish will start to feel fear and anxiety if he/she sees someone else eating fish. So exposure, even on a demised level, can be difficult to handle. On the other hand using your mind to conjure up an experience will usually produce less anxiety. The key words are less anxiety! In other words a kinder gentler approach.
You may initially think that viewing fears through your mind's eye wouldn't make you anxious at all. Well think again! In fact most people find that when they picture their fears in vivid detail, their bodies react fairly intensely. As one gradually becomes more comfortable with the thought of their fear they start to become less sensitive to the real thing until one day they wake up and it is no big deal.
Let's look at a five step approach for doing this effectively.
*The first step is preparation through controlled deep diaphragm breathing. Once you get relaxed and focused you will know it is time to start.
*Next picture yourself as you confront your fears. For example if you are afraid of driving, visualize yourself getting behind the wheel. Pay attention to detail by noticing the radio station that is playing and the seat color and position. How does it smell? Do you have plenty of gas?
*Once you get that vivid image keep track of your anxiety making sure the image is making you nervous. If not, continue to add puzzle pieces in your mind until you start to feel it. For example, imaging starting the engine and putting it in gear. Is someone honking at you as you back out?
*Once your fear and anxiety have become a reality keep the picture in your mind until you feel the tension level drop significantly. A good rule of thumb is to wait until your stress level has dropped by 50 percent or more.
*And finally, end your session with the same deep diaphragm breathing technique that you started the exercise with.
In summary, dealing with fear and anxiety is not an easy process. It requires a patient approach that often lasts for months or even years. For this reason many of those dealing with fear and anxiety have found
herbal remedies for anxiety to be an indispensable tool for speeding up the healing and recovery process.
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