7 Everyday Ways To Start Changing The Thoughts That Feed Your Fear

Do you ever feel worried, anxious, and fearful of everything? Is your confidence low as you constantly worry about your actions, emotions, or whether you are doing the right thing?

This is not good for anyone. Ongoing fear and focus on negative thoughts and emotions can have an unhealthy impact on your mental health.

So What Is Feeding Your Fear?

 Any action that makes your fear bigger and stronger "feeds" your fear. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Replaying old failures/mistakes in your head

  • Expecting the worst-case scenario

  • Ruminating on fearful thoughts constantly

  • Repeating stories linked to fears in your head or to other people

  • Remaining convinced that you cannot get past your fears.

Are you are living in fear right now? Is there any way to change your thought process, and stop feeding anxiety with negative thoughts and unhelpful behavior?

Yes! You can feel better, learn to live with uncertainty and overcome debilitating fear. Here’s how to start:

7 Everyday Ways To Start Changing The Thoughts That Feed Your Fear

Take Deep Breaths

If you start to feel anxious or overwhelmed, take a moment. Be still and take some deep breaths in through the nose, out through the mouth. This can give you time to calm down and think, instead of your mind going into overdrive.

Reflect and Name Your Emotions

Take a moment to turn inward and identify your emotions. What are you feeling? Why are you feeling this way? This can help your brain determine whether you are reacting emotionally or rationally.

Face Your Feelings

Accept that you are feeling a certain way. There is no shame in feeling your feelings. Honesty about how you feel is healthy and validating. Sometimes this is all you need. 

Think Positively

Try to start challenging the negativity. Focus on the good things, not the bad, and train your brain to do this more and more often.

Practice Self Care

Sometimes, worries, fears, and anxieties can be eased through a little self-care. Stay hydrated, eat well, and exercise. Take a bath, get a beauty treatment, or simply give yourself the space to be calm and relaxed. This may give you the headspace to take control of the problem, and find a solution. 

Befriend Your Negative Voice

You may have an inner critic or negative voice. Give them a name, and think of them as friends offering well-meaning, but negative, advice. Then, you can treat the friend as a persona, thank them for their advice, and let them know that you will consider what they have said, but you need to figure it out for yourself.  In this way, you are firmly reframing your thoughts but remaining gentle with yourself as well.

Accept That Some Things Will Be Out Of Your Control

The final step is accepting that things won’t always go your way or according to plan, and sometimes, there is nothing you can do to avoid the unexpected. You can’t control everything, try to remain present, and move forward. 

How To Live With Fear Instead of Feed It

Fear is not something that you can get rid of entirely. That’s okay, Everyone has fears and anxieties that serve to keep you safe and aware from time to time. Still, you don’t want to stay stuck there or let them consume you. You can live with fear and uncertainty rather than avoid it or allow them to prevent you from meeting your goals and reaching your full potential. 

With support and a healthy perspective, you can differentiate irrational fears from rational ones. Healthy personal relationships and intentional attention paid toward your mental health can provide significant relief. Please know that you aren’t alone, read more about anxiety therapy and contact us soon for help.

AnxietyNancy Young