Read the excerpt from "the science of conquering your fears – and living a more courageous life." stress and fear often come together. feelings of stress are generally rooted in a fear of an imagined physical or emotional threat (not being able to meet a deadline, or fear of failure, for instance), and stress can contribute to negative feelings like depression and anxiety that in turn can contribute to fear-based thinking. exercise and meditation both have the power to lower stress levels and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, which could you to act more courageously in the face of challenges.