Fear can be all encompassing and very distracting. It can manifest in our bodies as illnesses and injuries and make it hard to stop the whirling of the mind. Having healthy outlets to release fear during difficult times is very important. While you may not be able to completely rid yourself of fear, you can minimize it and reduce the negative impact it has on your mind and body.
Having a healthy outlet helps distract your mind so it can refresh and switch focus. Setting aside worries and fears while you engage in an activity gives your mind and body a chance to do something besides fixate on what’s wrong.
There are lots of ways to release fear by distracting yourself with an activity. Getting lost in a good book, watching a great movie or taking a nap are all great ideas but there are even better ways you might not have thought of.
Here are three healthy outlets to release fear during difficult times
- Get physical
- Get creative
- Get educated
Getting physical releases fear – Whether you take a hike, do vigorous exercise, yard work, or clean your home from top to bottom, getting physical is an excellent way to release fear. The act of physical activity gets your heart rate up which helps release hormones and chemicals that help your mind and body cope with stress. The mindless acts of physical activity also distract your thoughts and allow your brain to rest from intellectual tasks.
Getting creative releases fear – The act of creating something new or expressing yourself through art can help reduce fear. There are limitless ways to be creative from sculpting, to gardening, to coloring in a book. Doing a creative activity helps your body relax and place its focus on something other than fear. The distraction can help your mind and body rest and release some of the anxiety it’s been holding.
Getting educated releases fear – Learning new things can reduce stress and fear. Our minds love to absorb information and learn. Our brains are designed to expand with knowledge. Taking a class, or exploring a new hobby or activity can help your mind decompress and put its energy into learning something new and worthwhile rather than fret on fearful thoughts.
Being afraid can narrow your focus to worst case scenarios and chronic worrying. Finding outlets to distract your mind and release fear helps reset your mind so it can rest. Take time to do something physical, creative, or educational and find relief.
