Face It Head-On: Now Is the Time for Courage

Overcoming Fear: Step Into Courage

There are times when we feel nervous or anxious about trying something new—often because of the fear of the unknown. But facing these fears head-on is essential for growth. If something worries you, do it anyway. Show courage, and you’ll feel a deep sense of pride afterward.

The things we avoid often hold power over us. By confronting them, we reduce future anxiety and regain control. This is self-empowerment. For example, if meeting someone for the first time makes you anxious, don’t cancel—find small ways to make it more manageable. You could meet somewhere familiar, choose a short activity like grabbing a coffee, or ask them to meet you halfway. Each time you take these steps, you learn to manage your fears and discover that courage not only feels good but is also something you can build upon.

Anxiety is just a feeling, and like all feelings, it will pass. Remind yourself, again and again, that everything is okay—and will continue to be okay.

When anxious, your breathing becomes shallow and rapid, increasing stress. To calm your body and mind, practice controlled breathing. The 4-7-8 method is a well-known technique:

Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds

Hold your breath for 7 seconds

Slowly exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds

Repeat until you feel a sense of ease

By facing fears, taking control of your thoughts, and practicing mindfulness, you build resilience and inner strength. Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s acting despite it. Building Courage Through Journaling

One way to strengthen your courage is by keeping a thought journal. When you feel anxious or find yourself avoiding something, write it down. This will help you recognize and address recurring thought patterns.

In the moment, jot down:

• What you're worried about

• What you think might happen

• Your fears and concerns

Once the moment has passed, go back and review your notes. Challenge your thoughts by asking yourself:

• What is the worst-case scenario?

• How likely is that to actually happen?

• What is the best-case scenario?

By making this a habit, you’ll start to see patterns in your anxiety triggers and gain a better understanding of how your fears play out. Over time, you’ll also have a record of past experiences where things turned out fine, reinforcing your confidence in handling anxious moments in the future. Managing Anxiety Through Lifestyle Choices

If you often feel anxious, it may be time to watch your intake. Many everyday substances act as stimulants and can worsen anxiety.

Set simple rules for yourself, like limiting coffee to two cups per day or avoiding it after 2 PM. Cut back on sugar, eat a balanced diet, and reconsider stimulants like pre-workout, alcohol, and cigarettes—they may feel helpful but often make anxiety worse.

Prioritise daily breaks, do things you enjoy, and practice self-love and positive thinking to support your well-being.

Click here for some tips on anxiety.

courage noun 1. the ability to do something that frightens one; bravery. "she called on all her courage to face the ordeal" 2. Strength in the face of pain or grief. "he fought his illness with great courage"