Life Lessons Learned from Star Wars: The Health Implications of Fear

In honor of the long-anticipated Star Wars: The Force Awakens, our next series will focus on life lessons learned from Star Wars.  Over the years Star Wars has taught me the importance of friendship, the value of being patient, and the dangers of being afraid.
 

This week we shall discuss the health implications of fear.

“Fear is the path to the dark side...fear leads to anger...anger leads to hate...hate leads to suffering.”  -Yoda

 

Fear is a human emotion and basic survival mechanism that is triggered by a perceived threat.  Fear signals our bodies to respond to danger with a fight or flight response. Once we sense a potential danger, our brain releases hormones that help us survive. Our heart rate and blood pressure increase to supply extra blood flow to the muscles so we can run faster or fight to get away from the danger. Blood is shunted away from non-essential organs, like our intestines and kidneys (you don’t want to need to use the restroom when you’re in a crisis).  That’s why chronic stress will cause stomach pains and digestive issues and well as increased blood pressure.  Other consequences of long-term fear include fatigue, accelerated aging, increased risk for chronic illness or premature death.


 
When fear becomes chronic, it can lead to excessive worry, anxiety and depression.  It may interfere with daily life and relationships.  It can affect appetite (eating too much or too little), and sleep and negatively impact interpersonal relationships.   Many people who experience anxiety and depression will seek relief by engaging in harmful behaviors such as overeating, excessive alcohol consumption and/or use of tobacco and illicit drugs.   
 

Fear can further affect our well-being by making us doubt our abilities and our confidence.  It interferes with the regulation of emotion and increases the likelihood of acting without thought.  This leaves us susceptible to intense emotions and impulsive reactions which may lead to unethical behavior.

"Train Yourself to let go of Everything You Fear to Lose"- Yoda

 

Don’t let your fear control you.  While some fear can be healthy (like fear of injury from jumping off a bridge), many fears can lead to harm.  Let go of things you cannot control.  You cannot command the thoughts or behavior of others but control your response to those things.  Focus on the things you can control. 

 

Acknowledge your emotions and recognize the negative impact of fear.

Finally get support.  Surround yourself with positive people.  Read an empowering book.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  “May the Force Be With You.”