Everybody deals with fear and anxiety. However, some people have a hard time managing them. Here is a list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their stress, anxieties and fears:
When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, the first thing you can do is to break the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.
Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could get some fresh air, listen to some music, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.
At times, a person might encounter a fearful thought that may be hard to manage. I was told that a person should visualize a red stop sign, which can serve as a reminder to stop thinking about that fearful thought. This technique is good in dealing with obsessive and scary thoughts.
Sometimes we encounter a scary situation that gets us all upset. When encountering these events, always remember to get all of the facts of the given situation. Gathering the facts can prevent us from relying on exaggerated and fearful assumptions. By focusing on the facts, a person can rely on what is reality and what is not.
Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that helps to lift your spirits. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you. Whenever you feel anxious, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This will make you feel better, and best of all, you can keep your notebook in your pocket for whenever you need it.
Dealing with our persistent fears is not easy. However, there are many helpful resources available to us if you look hard enough. It might take some hard work and persistence, but it is possible to find those techniques that work for you.
Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to:
http://www.managingfear.com/