We are living in some unexpectedly tough times right now, as though we are living in a Sci-Fi movie. Each day we hear more sad news when we turn on the TV or radio. It is best to stay informed of what is going on around us, but not obsessed. My heart goes out to those immediately and deeply affected. This Pandemic is causing a lot of sadness and isolation, as well as fear. Fear can lead to worry, which leads to stress, which leads to compromised immune systems. We need healthy immune systems now more than ever. This Pandemic is taking a heavy toll on our mental health, which can result in poor physical health, if we don’t pay attention to our thoughts and actions. This is why I wanted to share how you can tame the flame of fear, so you won’t jeopardize your health, in this crucial time of staying healthy.
What is fear? For some, it can be paralyzing, but fear is just a thought. It is something we create that we don’t want to happen in the future. I like how Jack Canfield defines fear. He describes it as “Fantasized Experiences Appearing Real”. Worry goes hand-in-hand with fear. We become worried when we have fearful thoughts. We bring on stress with our worry and fear. It is our thoughts that can create illness. Do you see how this becomes a snowball effect? The mind and body work as one, thus the term holistic wellness. When the mind is obsessed with fearful thoughts and worry, the body will pay the price.
So how do we tame the flame of fear? First of all, we need to be aware of our fearful thoughts. Secondly, we need to take some sort of action. The action can be as simple as acknowledging the fearful thought and replacing it with the opposite or positive thought. Another technique is to feel the physical sensation you are experiencing with the fear and replace the feeling with what you would rather experience. For example, your fearful thought may cause butterflies in your stomach. Instead of focusing on the butterflies, change your thought to experiencing calmness or self-confidence.
Here are additional action steps you can take to tame the flame of fear:
- Write in a gratitude journal, list those things you are grateful for
- Bring your thoughts back to the present and focus on what you have control over
- Do something you enjoy
- Take a walk in nature; Nature has a way of clearing your mind and helps creativity flow
- Connect with a friend
- Exercise
- Take a relaxing bath with lavender oil and Epsom salts
- Read inspirational books, affirmations or quotes
Proper nutrition can also help minimize the effects of worry and fear. Eating lean protein, healthy fats such as nuts, eggs and fish, and healthy carbs such as whole grains, fruits and leafy greens, provide the nutrients your brain and body need to stay healthy. Sugar and caffeine, on the other hand, can lead to depression, mood swings and mental fog, which may escalate worry and fear.
Whenever I start to worry or become fearful, I like to remember that my worry and fear are just future thoughts that appear real in the moment, but may never come true. And then I take action to move through the fear by using the tools I shared.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT: Please feel free to reach out to me if you find that you just can’t get past your fear. Together we can find a way to tame the flame of your fear, so you can find some calmness.
“When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.” – Pauline R. Kezer
I want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone for doing your part in this pandemic. We need to remember that this is temporary, and we will get through this with a deeper feeling of gratitude and compassion.
Wishing you Health and Happiness,
Sandy Sonier, Certified Holistic Wellness Master Coach
