Do it Scared
Fear.
It’s not a great feeling but a potent emotion.
Fear is one of the few emotions that truly can dominate our behavior. Whether speaking in front of a crowd, trying something new, meeting new people, or simply stepping out of our comfort zone, we all have that inner feeling of "I can't do this."
Fear is a bully. It tells us what to do, and when we obey it, it gains power. However, when we acknowledge the fear and step through it, we will find several benefits that may change our perception of ourselves and the world.
It opens you up to new opportunities.
Most people have something in their lives that they would like to try, change, or do. However, we often put it off because it is uncomfortable. When we stay in our comfort zone, we unintentionally end up closing ourselves off to things that matter to us. Usually, our idea of how uncomfortable something might be tends to be worse than the reality of it. However, research by MIT found that when we start doing what we are afraid of, our fear begins to dissipate. Furthermore, when we embrace the unknown and take that step forward, we open ourselves up to new opportunities for happiness and fulfillment.
You'll learn something.
Every time we try something that scares us, we learn something new. It can be something as simple as a new skill to a deep and meaningful insight about ourselves. Fear means we are growing, and growth means that once we get beyond the uncomfortable bit, we will be bigger, better, and brighter than before!
It creates a different kind of comfort zone.
When we begin to step through our fears, our comfort zone grows. Things that were previously scary or uncomfortable are less overwhelming. Stepping through fear literally builds courage and confidence in ourselves.
It can be fun
Fear can be fun. Many people enjoy the feeling of fear. They watch horror movies, ride roller coasters, jump out of perfectly good planes, risk rejection by asking someone out, etc. Fear can make us feel alive, and through the excitation transfer process, our bodies and brain remain aroused even after our scary experience is over. During a staged fear experience, our brain will produce more dopamine which elicits pleasure. We also experience an increase in norepinephrine (adrenaline), increasing arousal, excitement, and energy.
Fear helps us socialize and become closer to people
When we experience fear, we tend to turn toward people. We share our concerns and create connections of support. Furthermore, when we are scared, we release the hormone oxytocin, which makes us want to bond and seek out the comfort of others. Our brain's survival instinct is to pair with another human, or humans, to increase our chances of survival.
If you're struggling, seek help. Sharp Wellness offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy to help support you and help you live your best life. Contact us now.