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How to Overcome Any Fear. Whether it’s heights, flying, or public speaking, a profound fear
can compromise the quality of your life. Don’t live with yours another minute. You will need
A journal, notebook, or paper Foods high in tryptophan Orange juice and soothing essential
oils. Step 1. Write down exactly what you’re afraid of and why. Research shows that putting
your fears in writing can be empowering, giving you more confidence and helping you realize
that some things you’re worried about are plain ridiculous. Step 2. Pick an encouraging
mantra like ‘”I can handle this” or “Nothing can harm me,” and repeat it in
your head whenever you have to do something that scares you. Psychologists say this instills
courage. Step 3. The next time you have to do something scary, make a fist, hold it for
10 seconds, then release. Sounds silly, but this reduces fear by relaxing muscle tension.
Step 4. Eat more turkey, cheese, and nuts. They all contain tryptophan, an amino acid
that helps people feel less anxious. Drink a big glass of orange juice before you have
to face any fear. Vitamin C lowers stress hormones in as little as 15 minutes! Step
5. Use soothing essential oils. Available in health food stores, they have been used
to battle stage fright, face frightening medical procedures, and deal with trauma. According
to the directions, put a few drops on your wrist or under your tongue until you feel
calmer. Step 6. Face your fear—again and again and again. Research shows that repeatedly
confronting your fear can suppress your fright response. In fact, experts say up to 90% of
phobics can overcome a specific fear with this technique, known as “exposure therapy.”
Step 7. Ask your doctor about medications that have shown promise in reducing fear when
a person is faced with the scary situation. Did you know Kids are terrified by clowns.
A poll conducted by an English university found that all 250 patients in a pediatric
ward were afraid of clowns, a condition known as coulrophobia.