ORLANDO, Fl – Are you as fearless as you once were? It turns out 25% of people have more fear, and more anxiety post-pandemic and research shows 70% of people suffer from imposter syndrome, the feelings of inadequacy.
You don’t have to move mountains or break through barriers to be brave. You can take much smaller steps to build your confidence.
“Microdosing bravery is simply the idea that you can take small steps to start seeing changes in your daily patterns, your daily habits, and even your mindset,” said Psychologist Tracy Alloway.
Alloway said you can microdose bravery your way to being brave and the first step is to get creative. Being creative opens new parts of your brain.
“You’re turning off your thinking brain a little bit more,” Alloway said. “The thinking brain is the one that says, don’t do that. You’re going to fail. Don’t try that. Find a new activity in your local community, whether it’s, doing a poetry class, painting, making a candle, maybe taking a hike or going paddle boarding, whatever that is.”
And most importantly, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.
“Sharing something about yourself can be a great way to foster trust and greater bonding between the two of you,” said Alloway.
Doing small things that are out of your comfort zone, whatever they are, will become easier the more you do them and can impact your mental health. Microdosing bravery also takes the pressure off the belief that you must take big risks to make big changes in your life.
Little successes can lead to a new you in no time at all.
“It increases dopamine, a feel-good hormone into our brain. So especially if you’re feeling low, you’re feeling depressed, dopamine is a great way to give us that little boost,” said Alloway.