Tips to manage persistent fears and anxieties

Stan Popovich

Special to the Village News

Are you looking for all of the answers on how to reduce your persistent fears and anxieties?

Fear and anxiety can ruin your life if you do not know how to overcome it. So, check out a brief list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their everyday anxieties, stresses and fears.

Take your fears apart.

When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, divide the task into a series of smaller steps and then complete each of the smaller tasks one step at a time. Completing these smaller activities will make the stress more manageable and increase your chances of success.

Take a break.

Sometimes people get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When it happens, take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get your mind off the problem. A person can get some fresh air, listen to some music or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.

Get all of the facts of the situation.

Gathering the facts of a certain event can prevent them from relying on exaggerated and fearful assumptions. By focusing on the facts, a person can rely on what is reality and what is not. It is a great way to take control of your mental health.

Use self-visualization.

Sometimes, people can get anxious over a task that they will have to perform in the near future. When it happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you have to play in the championship volleyball game in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind. By doing this visualization, you will be better prepared when the time comes.

You can’t predict the future.

While the consequences of a particular fear may seem real, there are usually other factors that cannot be anticipated and can affect the results of any situation. We may be 99% correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that 1% to make a world of difference.

Think of a red stop sign.

At times, a person might encounter a fearful thought that may be difficult to manage. When it happens, visualize a red stop sign, which can serve as a reminder to stop thinking about that thought. Regardless of how scary the thought may be, do not dwell on it. This technique is great in dealing with your negative thinking and will help reduce your fears.

Get some help.

Sometimes, it helps to be able to talk to someone about your stressful situations. Talking to a trusted friend, counselor or clergyman can give you additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. Overcoming fear and anxiety takes practice. In time, you will become better able to deal with your stressful problems.

Stan Popovich is the author of the popular managing fear book, “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear.” For more information about the book and to get some free mental health advice, visit http://www.managingfear.com.