Fear is an emotion that we all experience in our lives. Whether it’s the fear of heights, spiders, or public speaking, fears can hold us back from living our lives to the fullest. However, did you know that we are born with only two innate fears? In this blog post, we will explore what those two natural fears are, why we have them, and how they can impact our lives.
The Two Natural Fears
The two natural fears that we are born with are the fear of falling and the fear of loud sounds. These fears are innate, meaning that we are born with them and do not need to learn them.
The fear of falling is essential for our survival. From the time we start crawling, we learn to be cautious of heights and falling. This fear helps to protect us from dangerous situations, such as falling off a high surface. Even though we may overcome this fear as we grow up, it is still a natural response that our body experiences.
The fear of loud sounds is also a natural response. Babies are born with sensitive hearing, and loud sounds can be overwhelming. Loud sounds can also indicate danger, such as a thunderstorm or a loud explosion. This fear helps to protect us from potential threats in our environment.
Why Do We Have These Fears?
The reason why we have these two natural fears is due to evolution. Our human ancestors faced many dangers in their environment that could cause harm or death. For example, falling from a height or being attacked by a predator. Those who had a natural fear of falling or loud sounds were more likely to survive and pass on these traits to their offspring. This is how these innate fears have been passed down from generation to generation.
Impact of Natural Fears on Our Lives
While these natural fears may have helped our ancestors survive, they can impact our lives in different ways in our modern world. For example, the fear of falling can hold us back from trying new physical activities, such as rock climbing or bungee jumping. This fear can also make us feel anxious when we are in high places, such as on top of a tall building or riding a rollercoaster.
The fear of loud sounds can also impact our lives in different ways. For some people, loud sounds can be triggering and cause feelings of anxiety or stress. This fear can also impact our ability to concentrate, sleep, or communicate effectively.
Overcoming Our Natural Fears
Just because these fears are natural and innate, it does not mean that we have to let them control our lives. We can learn to overcome these fears with the help of different techniques, such as exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing ourselves to the thing that we fear in a safe and controlled environment. For example, if someone is afraid of heights, exposure therapy may involve starting small by standing on a low surface and gradually working up to a higher surface.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing our negative thought patterns and beliefs about fear. We can learn to reframe our thoughts about fear and focus on more positive outcomes. This therapy can also help us to develop more coping mechanisms to deal with fearful situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the two natural fears that we are born with are the fear of falling and the fear of loud sounds. These fears are innate and have helped our ancestors survive in dangerous environments. While these fears can impact our lives, we can also learn to overcome them with the help of different techniques and therapies. It’s essential to remember that fear is a natural response, and we should not let it control our lives.
FAQ
What is the top 1 fear in the world?
Fear is a natural emotion that all humans experience. Though everyone has their own fears and phobias, there is one fear that has been consistently ranked as the top fear in the world. This fear is none other than arachnophobia – the fear of spiders.
Arachnophobia is an excessive fear of spiders and other arachnids like scorpions. This fear affects millions of people worldwide, and nearly 30.5% of sufferers are living in the United States alone. The fear of spiders is so prevalent that it is considered to be one of the most common animal phobias worldwide.
The reasons behind this fear can vary from person to person. Some may have had a traumatic experience with spiders in their past, while others may have developed this fear through societal conditioning. The fear of spiders is also perpetuated through media and entertainment, where spiders are often depicted as scary and venomous creatures.
Overcoming arachnophobia can be a challenging process and may require professional help, but there are many ways to manage the fear on a daily basis. Gradual exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy are two common treatments for arachnophobia. In exposure therapy, a person is gradually exposed to spiders in a controlled environment until they feel comfortable around them. In cognitive-behavioral therapy, a person works on changing their thought processes and reactions to spiders.
Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, is the top fear in the world. Despite its prevalence, there are effective treatments available that can help people manage and overcome their arachnophobia.
What are 2 common fears children have?
Children often have a variety of fears that can be unsettling for both them and their parents. While some children may be naturally more anxious than others, many of these fears are common among young children. Two of the most common fears that children experience are fear of the dark and fear of separation or divorce from their parents.
Fear of the dark is a common fear that many children experience. Young children may be scared of the shadows in their room or the noises they hear at night. As they grow older, this fear may evolve into a fear of things such as burglars or burglaries. Children may also be afraid of supernatural beings such as ghosts and monsters, which they may believe are lurking in the dark and waiting to scare them.
Another common fear that children experience is separation or divorce from their parents. Even if the parents are not separated or divorced, children may still have anxieties about the possibility of their parents splitting up. Many children feel abandoned or worried about losing the love and attention of their parents.
If you are a parent, it is important to understand that these fears are normal and that your child is not alone in experiencing them. Children need reassurance and support from their parents to help them overcome their fears. You can help by letting your child know that their fears are valid, and that you take them seriously. Talk to your child about their fears and offer comfort and reassurance. Try to avoid dismissing their fears or trivializing them. Instead, help them understand that their fears are natural and normal.
Other strategies that may help children overcome their fears include using positive reinforcement, such as rewards or praise, to encourage them to confront their fears. You can also use distraction techniques, such as reading stories or playing games, to take your child’s mind off of their fears. If your child’s fears are interfering with their daily life, you may want to consider seeking professional help from a therapist or other mental health professional.