Feeling fear is as natural to us as hearing our names. As toddlers we all learn to fear common situations like not touching a hot stove or not getting into a strangers car.
There are 3 important things we learn about fear. The first thing we learn is how to anticipate fear. Second, that anticipating fear keeps us safe, and third, that if fear keeps us safe, then fear was necessary and good.
In other words, we are trained to think anxiously. As children, our three stages of fearing things are warranted as we learn more about our emotions, but as we grow up fearing things or situations becomes engrained. The trick is to notice when fear turns negative, and into anxiety.
I believe that all habitual behaviors are based in fear, and none of us are born with habits, we learn them.
Fear is at the root of anxiety. Some people are convinced that anxiety does not affect them. They worry about things and sometimes loose sleep. They ask, “Is that anxiety?” to which I reply, “Yes, it is.”
Anxiety is a physical response to a fearful thought or belief projected into the future. We create anxiety by imagining how future events can or will go wrong. We focus on these made up episodes until our stomachs twist, our hearts race and we cannot breathe. We swirl in fear and see only negative outcomes. We think, If I do this, then that will happen, and if that happens, then this will happen, and if….
Our imagined scenarios feel real. The anxiety created from fearing the future can cause panic attacks that bring symptoms ranging from loss of sleep, simple internal jitters, and emotional meltdowns so severe that we cannot function.
The good news is that we all have the power to heal. Our habits are a learned way of thinking and practice.
We can learn new habits. Fear, anxiety, negative self-talk, gossip, and judgment are all negative emotions linked to anxiety. In my book, Habits that Heal, are daily exercises to practice that help impact all our learned habits in a positive way.
Three simple steps to help stop an anxiety attack:
- Get present
- Repeat the mantra “In this moment I am safe.”
- Smile
Honestly, it works. For step by step directions visit www.nitalapinski.com. Also, watch a free video on how to stop an anxiety attack, or get your copy of Habits that Heal through Amazon.
