Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.
Helen Keller
Fear is one of the most basic forms of human emotions. No one is spared of it and for that matter, it is wired into each of our systems. It resides in us for a very important purpose, which is signaling at the time of danger. The signaling helps us prepare ourselves with whatever lies ahead of us. It could be physical or mental which can help us accomplish whatever we want for our survival. When necessary, it can turn out to be the most important resource.
The science of fear
The reaction of fear first starts in the brain and then spreads to other parts depending on which part could be of use. It is to make adjustments for the best defense. The fear starts in the part of the brain called the amygdala. It is an almond shape part of the brain located just behind your eyes and over your ears. It registers your emotions for the outside stimulus. For example, our amygdala gets activated when we see even another human who is displaying emotions. Although, it is pronounced if the emotion is of anger or fear. Amygdala then activates the specific areas and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) involved in the motor function. This leads to physical changes in our body that brace us to be better prepared for the situation. The brain becomes very alert, the pupil dilates breathing rate and the heartbeat increases. The body system like the gastrointestinal system which does not have a direct role slows down.
The climate of fear
The media and a lot of other institutions understand the science of fear and manipulate it. Especially in the time of crisis, like at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, we saw media putting out headlines like “Will corona reach your neighborhood?”. Even the marketing people know how to tap into your fears and make you buy the products they wish to sell. Politicians too stir up your fears to accumulate votes and religious leaders to increase their follower base. Parents also do instigate fear to make their kids behave properly. Fear is deeply woven in our social fabric and is impacting our lives more than it ever did.
5 Signs that you are held back by your fears
1. Fear prevents you to know who you are
Fear tells you not to come out of the shell most of the time. Like avoiding to smile at strangers and not speaking your opinions loud. Instead of encouraging you to push your boundaries, it reminds you of the possibility of failures. For example, you should not write that book, or apply for that promotion, or even propose to your partner. If it was for fear we would be hiding under our bed instead of going out and grow.
2. Fear hampers your intuition
All the great people encourage you to trust your gut instincts. There is no scope for your intuitions to exist if we have any kind of fear seeded in us. Just know when you are in fear it is nearly impossible to hear the right calling.
3. It prevents you to make decisions
People who live under constant fear never chose the path for themselves. They are constantly scared of the aftermath of their decisions. Their brain is always hinged to the possibility of things going wrong or haywire. Consequently, they are never able to come up with any decision.
4. Fear tells you to react instantly
This can be very helpful if there is a mountain lion chasing you. But not so much of the other problems we face in our daily lives. If a doctor tells you that you have a minor condition, it would be better to take a step back and analyze instead of starting to get something done about it.
5. Fear prevents us from having new experiences
Fear starts its alarm the moment we set our foot a millimeter out of our comfort zone. It is the main reason why we tend to stay in toxic relations and dead-end jobs. We more scared to hover in the unknown than to be in an existing miserable state.
