In the world today, it is very common for individuals to have unknown fears. The world is changing every day and not always for the better. We live with uncertainty every day and we all experience this uncertainty and fear differently. Have you recently been afraid of the unknown and do not know how to identify or overcome this fear?

Many of us are afraid of being unprepared, such as finances with the changing economy. We may even be afraid of losing a loved one or of unknown health issues. Out of all American’s two thirds of the population worry about health issues, while one third are afraid about our economy. These numbers are rising daily. The tips below can help our brains think more rationally about overcoming our unknown fears.

6 Holistic tips for Managing Unknown Fear

• Learn and identify your fear. We cannot overcome or even know our fears if we keep them hidden inside us. We must be willing to identify our fears and be aware of them to face them. It can be helpful to write down when you are having symptoms and what is causing them to better understand your fears. Do you feel sick to your stomach or have sweaty palms when watching the news or scrolling through social media?
• Be mindful of the present. If we are constantly afraid of the future and the unknown, then we cannot focus on reality and what we can be doing right now. Use your brain to shift your fear and anxiety to focus on other things that are more controlled in the present. It is okay to have these fears, but it is not okay for them to consume and negatively affect your daily life.
• Learn to breath properly using breathing techniques. Breathing techniques can be used to control anxiety. This can be done by using longer, more controlled breathing. Focus on deep breaths in and out to calm your body and mind when you feel fearful or anxious. Remind yourself that short breaths can cause more anxiety, which in turn causes more fear.
• Focus on what you can control. Do you tend to focus your energy and thoughts on what you cannot control? Focusing on what we can control in the present can help us alleviate fear of the unknown. What can you control right now? Maybe your savings, getting regular check-ups at the doctor, being present in your children’s lives, etc.

• Get outside. Getting outside and going for a walk in nature can greatly calm our minds. This is also physical activity, so while we are calm from nature, our bodies are releasing endorphins from exercise. These things help us to think clearly and rationally during a state of fear.
• Be kind to yourself. It is extremely important to not become hard on ourselves for the things that we cannot control. Everyone handles things differently, especially fear. We must be honest with ourselves and loved ones and try not to avoid fear and conflict.

Remember that it is okay to ask for help with your fears. Therapy is a great tool for overcoming unknown fear, as well as identifying what the fear is coming from. Be aware of your current situations and try to be more present.

Avoid focusing your energy on things you cannot control and constantly focusing on the future. Give yourself the space you need to manage your fears. Remember that you are not alone and that there are resources out there to help you through these times of fear and uncertainty. Speak with your counselor or therapist on various strategies on how to tackle your fears head on.