If you are like most people out there, you have what is scientifically known as acrophobia. This means that when you approach the edge of a building’s roof, you feel an overwhelming fear and anxiety gripping you. That’s your body’s way of telling you that something terrible is about to happen if you’re not careful as you approach a possible danger. While God has done great work by putting such an alarming system into our bodies, sometimes the fear of heights can actually impact you in negative ways.
For instance, you cannot do your job as a construction worker if you have a severe form of acrophobia, as you obviously need to face heights in order to help your co-workers build a house, for instance. What would the world have done if all construction workers were afraid of heights? We obviously couldn’t build a lot of tall buildings that exist today.
Therefore, learning how to defeat your fear of heights can be very important if you work at a construction site, as well as in many other situations. Fortunately, we have a few tips on how to do that:
Gradual exposure:
Probably the best way to get rid of a fear is to face it. It’s as simple as that! Gradually exposing yourself to the factor that causes you fear and anxiety can be the best remedy against it. Therefore, start by exposing yourself to heights in a controlled and safe environment, such as standing on a balcony or low platform. As you become more comfortable in facing your fear, you will just have to gradually increase the height until you feel more at ease.
Practicing relaxation techniques:
You need to calm your mind and body when you face heights, and relaxation techniques can definitely help a lot. Luckily, there’s a multitude of ways to relax, such as deep learning, progressive muscle relaxation, and even visualization of those situations that cause you fear and anxiety.
Seek support
It’s not a shame to seek support from family, friends, or a mental health professional. You can alleviate a lot of the burden if you simply speak about your fear with others. It’s just how we have been built as human beings.
Be persistent and patient
It’s okay not to pull it off on the first try. Everybody makes mistakes, and we all need time to learn something, including defeating our phobias such as acrophobia. Furthermore, defeating acrophobia can be a process that requires some time and persistence, so don’t be hard on yourself! Be patient with yourself, while it’s also a good idea to celebrate your progress, regardless of how small it may be. Be thankful to God or nature for every little progress you make, as that can surely act in your favor.
Set achievable goals
When it comes to facing your fear of heights, it’s also a good idea to set small and achievable goals. Furthermore, feel free to celebrate each milestone along the way, whether it’s standing on a high balcony or taking an elevator to an upper floor. Each of those apparently insignificant accomplishments can bring you one step closer to defeating your fear.
Feel free to apply the tips mentioned here, as they can definitely help you overcome your fear of heights! You can also tell us in the comments about your experience if you wish!
