Men's Journal

In his new book, Extreme Fear, author Jeff Wise offers advice on keeping it together when danger or uncertainty looms.

Fear is a good buzz. Intense fear causes our brains to release chemicals that mimic the effects of marijuana and amphetamines. Time seems to slow down, and pain vanishes; we can run faster and lift heavier weights — those tales of panicked people lifting cars with their bare hands are true.

Anger trumps fear… If you’re tense before the big game, try thinking about how much you hate your opponents. Famed University of British Columbia psychologist Stanley Rachman once treated a phobic patient who could leave his house only when he was mad at his wife. As soon as he calmed down, he had to hurry home.

…and so does sex. If you’re terrified of public speaking, try tapping the soothing powers of oxytocin, the hormone of affection and bonding. A recent study in the journal Biological Psychology found that subjects who had just had sex were calmer when speaking before strangers. The catch: Sex had to be “penetrative.”

Fear is contagious. In fact, in the grip of fear, the human body emits a pheromone that subconsciously activates the fear system of those nearby. But there’s good news: Bravery is also contagious. Another study by Rachman found that soldiers in combat feel less fear when they see comrades behaving courageously.

Check out our editors’ picks for 2009′s 10 best advancements in workouts, exercise gear, and more.

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This article originally appeared in the December 2009/January 2010 issue of Men’s Journal.