<div class="bbWrapper"><a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/members/23749/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="23749" data-username="@Mattie">@Mattie</a> <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/members/47734/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="47734" data-username="@Black_Dragon43">@Black_Dragon43</a> - both are right... <br />
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Fear is a <b>tricky</b> emotion. On one hand, it can be a powerful force in motivating us to take action in the face of danger or in pursuing a goal in the face of adversity. On the other hand, when we let fear control our actions for too long, we lose sight of what's truly important and may make irrational decisions that harm us or others.<br />
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When we take the time to understand fear and temper it with knowledge and rational thought, we can harness its power and use it more effectively in our lives. We can direct this energy into the pursuit of our goals, but we must also recognize when we need to step back and reevaluate a situation before continuing forward.<br />
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<b>The science of fear</b><br />
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We know that our brains are hardwired to detect threats in the environment and react accordingly, even when danger is nonexistent. Some call this the "low road" because it allows for immediate action without having to involve the rational part of the brain. At its most basic level, this low road is activated by the amygdala, which signals the hypothalamus to trigger a cascade of hormonal responses. This is often accompanied with physical sensations like increased heart rate and shortness of breath.<br />
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Typically, these reactions are reserved for instances in which our lives or safety are at stake. When we encounter situations that aren't life-threatening, it's best to engage the higher functions of our brains through reflection and contemplation. This allows us to fully process information, make rational decisions, and integrate reason into our emotions.<br />
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<b>The consequences of fear</b><br />
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When we engage with fear too often or without thinking things through, it can have negative consequences both mentally and physically. For example, anxiety disorders are very real conditions that affect around 40 million people in the United States alone. Researchers are still working to understand exactly what goes wrong in the brain during anxiety, but they've linked it to an overactive amygdala and increased cortisol levels.<br />
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When our brains are overwhelmed by fear, it's difficult for us to control ourselves or think clearly about our options. We may lash out, make impulsive decisions, or change our behavior in ways that negatively affect those around us.<br />
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<b>What we can do about it</b><br />
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If fear affects you on a regular basis, try to take time for yourself and truly evaluate your options before you react. Think back to what instills fear in you – whether it's physical danger or simply the idea of rejection or failure – and try to work out why. Make a list of each potential outcome, positive or negative, possible in the current situation.<br />
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If you're struggling with fear in your personal life, talk to someone you trust about what's causing it. If necessary, seek professional help from a therapist who can help you process these emotions in healthy ways.<br />
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PS And yes, a drink with a friend can be therapeutic and cheap.</div>
