Fear is one of the most primitive and powerful emotions known to humans. It alerts us to danger, fuels our survival instincts, and sometimes paralyse our potential. The emotion itself is universal, whether it’s fear of failure, rejection, judgement, or even success. But at HugDayEvent, where we promote a healthy lifestyle, we believe fear doesn’t have to control your life. You can face it and even grow through it.
What is Fear?
Fear is a natural response to perceived threats. It is triggered by the brain’s amygdala, activating what scientists call the fight, flight, freeze, fawn, or flop reactions. According to a 2021 study in Biomolecules, your body may react this way even to non-life-threatening situations such as public speaking, starting a business, relocating, or expressing your feelings – because it sees them as threats.
“Fight, flight, freeze, fawn, or flop responses help us survive, but can be triggered even when we’re not in real danger.” – Schauer & Elbert, 2021
Why Fear Feels So Strong
Fear thrives in uncertainty. It is like trying to attempt an exam outside your field. When we don’t know what’s coming next, our brain fills the gap with worst-case scenarios. But, what if the exam is not as complex as you think? Neuroscientist Joseph LeDoux explains that fear isn’t always about what’s real. It’s about what we imagine might happen. That’s why a future event can cause anxiety even when there’s no actual threat.
Common Types of Fear
- Fear of Rejection – Prevents people from pursuing love or friendship.
- Fear of Failure – Stops many from starting a new project or business.
- Fear of Being Judged – Silences voices that deserve to be heard. Read: “Why Silence Isn’t Golden: Redefining Conservatism.”
- Fear of the Unknown – Paralyzes potential by demanding perfect certainty.
5 Ways to Overcome Fear
- Name Your Fear
Awareness is the first step. Write it down. Say it out loud. What are you afraid of? A 2018 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that labelling your emotions can reduce their intensity.
- Visualise Success Instead of Failure
Instead of imagining everything that could go wrong, picture yourself succeeding. Athletes and performers use this technique to build confidence and reduce performance anxiety.
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
– Nelson Mandela.
- Break It Into Small Steps
Fear often comes from trying to leap too far in a short time. Would you fit a 5-year goal into a six-month plan? No, that would cause anxiety. Take one small action each day toward your goal. Progress destroys panic.
“Do one thing every day that scares you.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt.
- Talk to Someone You Trust
A problem shared with the right person is a fear halved. Whether it’s a friend, mentor, counsellor, or HugDayEvent community member, connection helps you feel stronger. Read: “The Mirroring Effect: Changing Your Life Through Association.”
- Move Your Body
Fear is energy. Release it. Whether it’s walking, dancing, or joining a #HugWorkout session, physical movement resets your nervous system and builds courage over time. Read: “How to Rechannel Your Energy“
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”
– George Addair.
In Summary
At HugDayEvent, we believe Fear is just fear. It doesn’t define you. It doesn’t have to stop you. It’s a signal, not a sentence. Use it as a compass. Walk through it with purpose. And remember: the bravest people are not those without fear — they’re the ones who move forward anyway.
“Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
– Susan Jeffers.
References
- LeDoux, J. E. (2015). Anxious: Using the brain to understand and treat fear and anxiety. Viking.
- Schauer, M., & Elbert, T. (2021). Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn, and Flop Responses: A Review of Their Role in Trauma, Stress, and the Autonomic Nervous System. Biomolecules, 11(6), 823. https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/11/6/823
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2011). Exercising to relax: Regular aerobic exercise reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax
