STOP FEAR HOLDING YOU BACK

Don't let your phobias play havoc with your summer plans. Here's how to rid yourself of persistent anxieties

Has a fear of flying meant you’ve never ventured abroad? Or do you hate getting behind the wheel, and keep missing out on get-togethers as a result? You’re not alone. More than half of Brits have a phobia, with 48% of us avoiding certain situations because of it.* But while they can be disruptive and difficult to handle, fear is a natural response to a threat to survival – it’s there to protect us. Here’s how to tackle some of our most common phobias and reclaim your summer.

FEAR OF... the sea

A fear of the ocean can be linked to a fear of the unknown.

CURE IT Think back to why you might have that anxiety. 'Understanding this will help you to work through those feelings, which may have been suppressed,' says Lorna Cordwell from Chrysalis Courses. If it's linked to being a non-swimmer, look for adult beginner lessons at your local pool. Learning to control your breathing when you're around water can help. Push your stomach out to breathe all the way down to the bottom of your lungs, hold the breath, then let it out like a loud sigh and continue for 10 breaths.

FEAR OF… spiders Unable to commit to a weekend camping because you’re scared of sleeping beside this eight-legged beast? ‘Arachnophobia may link to our earliest experience of spotting signs of danger or infection and disease,’ says psychotherapist Toby Ingham.

CURE IT Try gradual exposure. ‘Take deep breaths and remember the spider is very small compared to you,’ says Toby. The Arachnophobia Free app (£5.99, iOS) may help.

FEAR OF… driving