The Secret to Stopping Fear and Anxiety (That Actually Works) | Mel Robbins

I used to have a chronic fear of flying. Then I saw a slogan for a parachute school that said "Knowledge dispels fear". I applied this to flying, sat down and tried to learn everything I could about flying and aviation. Flying is now my greatest passion in life and I am training to be a pilot. Knowledge DOES dispel fear.

Fear=Excitement. That is mind blowing. Never thought of it before.

I have lived a life full of fears. Tears are flowing in my eyes now.

1. 5 second rule - countdown from 5 seconds 2. Anchor thought - create a contextual thought to keep you focused 3. Reframe thought from fear to excitement

Happy this wasn't a scam to get me to buy something. Thank you.

Never in the HISTORY of Calming down, has ANYONE calmed down by being TOLD to Calm down.

I was fearing to go to a new job and having to start over and relearn everything from what I was used to , until I saw this video. I’ve turned that fear into excitement ! I’m ready to start a new beginning. I’m ready to face something unfamiliar. Why be afraid brain? Be excited about this ! 😮🎉

🌸 Summary: 1. 5 Second Rule ( to disturb your mind and change the focus from fear to the anchor thought) 2. Anchor Thought ( an image that makes you excited about what will happen after you do the thing that you're gonna do) 3. Reframe fear into excitement ( and this happens directly after applying step number 2)

The whole point of what Mel is saying, is this., Your brain can only have one linear thought at once. A fear comes from the creative, right side of your brain. It thinks it can predict an outcome and dwells on that outcome. Obsessive thinking. By counting down from 5, you are instantaneously accessing the logical left side of your brain. Breaking the obsessive thought. Think of a hysterical person getting a glass of water thrown in their face and being told to, Snap out of it! In a less shocking way, counting down from 5 has the same affect. If you are not getting it with the countdown, try this experiment. The next time you find yourself feeling anxious or fearful, do the math. Randomly pick 4 or 5 multiplication or division problems and calmly do them in your head. No one has to know. 6x8=48, 9x7=63, 24/3=8 etc. Accessing your left brain detaches you from obsessive thoughts. The second part is Instantly think of the future positively. Ex. Fear of flying. After doing your math, in detail think of everything you are going to do when the plane lands. I'm going to get my bags, get the car, drive to my destination, greet friends and family, or check in hotel, grab a pina colada, sit on a beach chair and watch the sunset... Now tell me. After reading all that I just wrote. How often did you think of the fear? If it's still there. Add some of your senses. See the smile of friends or family, taste the icy cold pineapple and rum sliding down your throat, the sand between your toes...get as descriptive as possible. Rinse and repeat.

Solution 11:13 1. 5 second rule - countdown from 5 seconds 2. Anchor thought - create a contextual thought to keep you focused 3. Reframe thought from fear to excitement My extra tip: fear dishonors yourself and your self esteem. Keep confronting fear head on. Practice will help you relearn a healthier habit. Live a life free of self limits.

Fear is so real to me it has literally destroyed me

I realized that fear is at the root of all of my problems in my life. Fear is a huge issue. The Bible also says fear not more then anything else. 365 times. This is a great video!

I watched this video a year ago and following Mel’s advice I lost my fear of travelling alone, i traveled and now live in a different part of the country and I’m so happy. Now I’m about to start my own business and I am experiencing that same fear as one year ago. Completely forgot about this video and it just popped up at the perfect time. Thank you so much for helping me in my journey to a new life. ❤️❤️❤️

At first I have fear on leaving comments on YouTube videos but after I watched this I am now excited to leave comments! Thank you

I'm 73 and I used to be fearless. Now, I fear everything, every situation.

Well I'm very afraid of flying. So I took your 5 4 3 2 1 tool and your anchor idea. I managed a 3 hour flight. Thank you so much for this inspiration and insight. There are no words to describe how grateful I am.

I'm excited to have a panic attack!

A few months ago I had the epiphany that every time I was so scared to do something, for example driving is one, I have actually always survived! I now try to be thankful and acknowledge the moments each day that scare me and I survive, and I feel stronger after each challenge.

I have been using the 5 seconds rule my while life, I just do a little different. Instead of counting down from 5(which I used to count down from 3 when I was little), I just say, "in the name of Jesus" and I don't let fear stop me. I trust God and I know if I put everything in God's hands, I will see God's hands in everything! Philippians 4:13

As a human living with anxiety/depression and several other issues, I've learned that I thrive and in a higher state of happiness when I have "something to look forward to." Even when I'm not thinking about that "something," I'm still in a generally better mood and can accomplish more. So this makes perfect sense to me.