It's almost Halloween, folks! It's time for some scares to make you feel better! A couple questions first...
How can scares make you feel better?
Is it possible that fear can be beneficial?
This article aims to help you better understand how fear affects the mind as well as the physical body. Hopefully, you'll come away with a clearer understanding of fear itself and (more importantly) how to use it to your advantage.
With that said now we can get into this subject.
What Is Fear?
First, a couple things about fear:
- Fear is a human emotion elicited by the perception of a threat.
- It is a basic survival mechanism that instructs our bodies to respond to danger by either fighting or fleeing. As such, it is critical to our safety.
And a couple things about the extremely fearful:
- These are people who are constantly afraid, whether of physical dangers in their environment or perceived threats.
- These people often suffer negative consequences in all aspects of their lives and even become incapacitated.
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Is Fear Beneficial Or Destructive?
- Fear signals to your body that it needs to activate some of its antioxidant mechanisms and become more efficient in its defense against free radicals.
- When released in small doses, this short-term stress may improve immunity.
- Norepinephrine is released from the adrenal glands when you are affected by fear (along with adrenaline and cortisol).
- Cortisol and adrenaline hormones boost alertness and awareness, making you more alert during stressful situations. It's all part of the strategy to get your body ready to react to the fear or flee completely.
- Norepinephrine can influence your mood and ability to concentrate.
Fear can make you or break you. Too much of it can be debilitating. Too little can breed overconfidence. Just the right amount can cultivate wisdom.
Effects Of Fear On Human Behavior
It can hinder personal growth but also serve as a survival instinct. Fear can heighten awareness and caution, leading to quick reactions and rational decision-making. It can also motivate individuals to face their fears and grow personally.
However, excessive fear can restrict freedom and quality of life, leading to anxiety disorders and other psychological distress. Managing and addressing excessive fear is important for overall well-being.
How do you manage fear?
"YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR WEALTH!"
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