For many, simply facing the source of fear can eliminate it. To empower yourself and show your fear who's boss, take Eleanor Roosevelt's advice: "Do one thing a day that scares you." Once you've proven to yourself that you can indeed do what you thought was impossible, you'll be surprised at the surge in confidence that follows.
Steven C. Hayes, a professor of psychology at University of Nevada-Reno, developed a technique he called ACT -- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. In practice, ACT uses mindfulness to help people accept difficult emotions such as fear by breathing deeply, observing and acknowledging the sensation of the feeling, and letting it go.
Meditation is a proven method of improving mood; it can even change brain function for the better. To use the power of your mind to conquer your biggest fears, find a quiet moment to be still, and to recognize and make peace with your fears.
Check out this meditation exercise that can help you cope with negative emotion:
Some say it is impossible to feel fear while you're filled with gratitude. To start cultivating an attitude of gratitude, just look around you. Is the sun shining? Are your children healthy? Is your almond butter on toast super-delicious? Start a gratitude journal and jot down everything for which you're thankful.
If you've tried but failed to conquer your fears through these methods and others, consider professional help. If ACT appeals to you, the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science offers a searchable database of ACT therapists from around the world.
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