I’m due for my annual mammogram in July. If you’ve been following me, you know I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. I shared my story here and here and here.
I started noticing my anxiety and feelings of fear about two weeks ago. I became uneasy, as if I’d been sitting in a chair for a long time. I started fidgeting to move away from the discomfort.
At first, I didn’t understand what was going on, but I soon remembered my appointment was upon me and realized, maybe my unease is related.
Another week went by, and I noticed my heartbeat ramp up one day for no apparent reason. Suddenly, my brain went into overdrive, and I became sure I had lung cancer and that it spread to my entire body.
Since then, my sleep has been interrupted, and my fear has made for some blockbuster dreams.
When I get into the fear muck like this, I turn to these five tricks to tame my fear:
Name it. Give it a name, and it automatically diminishes its power.
Don’t indulge in it. Once you recognize the fear in whatever form it’s presenting, don’t indulge in it. Greet it by name, thank it for caring enough to protect you, and then reassure it that you’ve got this.
Share it with someone you trust. Find someone you trust who will allow you to talk about what you’re feeling. It will take the intensity of the fear down a notch or two.
Move your body. Talk a walk, do some yoga or go to an exercise class. As your body gets warm and the blood begins to flow, imagine fear on a high-speed ferry on a one-way ticket out of your body.
Meditate – Take 5-10 minutes to get quiet, close your eyes, and notice your breathing. Your brain will still be sending thoughts and sound bites your way, but that’s ok. Give it a try. It will restore some space in your brain and calm in your body.
How about you? What tricks do you use to tame fear? I’d love to know. Leave me a comment below.
Plus, here are 7 things that inspired me this week:
This is powerful.
Are you a local from Massachusetts who loves fresh fish and seafood AND like it delivered to your door? I’m a regular at Svenfish and they’re giving away FREE seafood with this link.
We just booked tickets for this. I can’t wait to go!
In search of something fun for your kids? Check this out.
So, this lived up to my expectations and brought back some great memories.