What Does It Mean If You Have a Dream about Being Chased?

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Discover the cause of this common nightmare
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You wake up in a cold sweat, your heart pounding, and all you remember is the feeling of something chasing you. Nightmares about being chased are one of the most common, but what could it mean? No need to fear! In this article, we’ll help you decode your dream so you can understand what it means for your waking life and take steps to stop it from coming back.

Things You Should Know

  • A dream about being chased can signal that you’re avoiding confronting a situation that’s causing you stress or anxiety.
  • If you’re being chased by a particular person, think about that person’s traits or characteristics. What about them could be making you anxious?
  • If you notice the environment you’re being chased through, think about how the landscape could represent what you’re stressed about.
  • After you’ve had a dream about being chased, the first step is to confront the problem you’ve been avoiding so it will stop running after you in the dreaming world.
Section 1 of 3:

What does it mean if you have a dream about being chased?

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  1. Your dreams often tell you things that your conscious mind doesn’t want to pick up on. If you feel overwhelmed at work, in your relationships, or at home, a dream about being chased may be your subconscious mind letting you know that you need to face a situation you’ve been putting off. [1]
    • Dreams of running and being chased are often anxiety dreams. These are completely normal during times of high pressure and stress and usually disappear after the source of your anxiety does.
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Section 2 of 3:

Types of Chasing Dreams & Their Meanings

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  1. Often, chasing dreams represent something you’ve been avoiding in the waking world. If you don’t know who’s chasing you, it could mean that you don’t know what’s been causing you anxiety in the real world. Being chased by a stranger could also mean that you’re running away from unseen financial pressures. [2]
    • If what’s chasing you appears to be some kind of monster, it could be a manifestation of addiction, debt, or a mistake. [3]
    • If you’re not sure what may be causing your stress, try taking steps to alleviate your tension overall—make time for an activity you love, soak in a bubble bath , do some yoga, or take 10 minutes a day to visualize yourself on a beach or out in nature.
  2. If you know the person who’s running after you, thinking about the person’s traits or characteristics could help you interpret what they’re representing. Is the person chasing you your neighbor Bob, who seems to lose everything he owns? It may be that you’ve lost track of something important, or that you’re trying to avoid finding something you lost long ago. [4]
    • If you lied to a friend or loved one, it could also mean that you’re running from your dishonesty.
  3. Think about the specific creature you dreamt of. What trait do you think of when you think about that animal? If you were chased by a crocodile, what is the first thing you think of? If your mind jumps to crocs lurking in the water, it may mean that a fear that was just underneath the surface has finally reared its head. Consider the animal’s characteristics and how they could represent the issue you’re running from. [5]
    • If you dream you’re being chased by a wild animal, it could be a manifestation of your primal fears and anxieties. Use this dream as an opportunity to overcome your fears and face the challenges that might lie ahead. [6]
    • If you were chased by something nonthreatening, like a puppy, a kitten, or a capybara, it could mean that you’re running from something in your waking life that won’t be so terrifying if you learn to turn around and face it.
  4. If you dreamt about being chased by a car, you may feel like your safety or well-being is threatened, or you might just feel lost and confused about your current situation. This dream could be an indication that you need direction or guidance to help you deal with a situation in your waking life. [7]
    • When interpreting this dream, think about what the car looks like. Is it expensive and shiny? You may be running from financial pressures. Rusted and worn down? Maybe you’re worried about everything falling apart.
  5. Take note of the landscape. Are you running through a desert? This can mean you’re feeling isolated or disengaged from your emotions. Are you running through a jungle? You may be feeling overwhelmed by choices. Think about the environment the dream took place in to learn what situation in your waking life needs to be addressed. [8]
    • If you were chased down a street, the dream could mean you’re experiencing a lot of stress around financial concerns, material possessions, or the pressures of modern life. [9]
    • If you were chased in a building, think about what the place you were in could mean to you. Were you in a house? You might have fears or anxieties about your home life. A government office? You may be running from work or finances.
  6. You may be running from change. Maybe you just moved to a new town, started a new job, or you’re worried your new stability won't last. If someone or something is chasing you in the water, you may be literally “drowning” in your feelings. Thinking about exactly what’s chasing you might also help you understand what this dream might mean to you. [10]
    • It might not be the change itself you’re anxious about—with this new change, there might also be a wave of new responsibilities that you may be running away from.
  7. If that someone is a loved one, such as a significant other, a family member, or a close friend, it could be your mind trying to tell you that you might be depending on them a little too much. However, having a dream where you’re the one doing the chasing doesn’t always mean something negative. If you’re running after someone you aren’t close with, it might signify that you’re itching to find a new beginning. [11]
    • The distance between you and the other person could also help you interpret the dream. If you’re pretty far away from them, it could mean that what you want is out of reach or hard to get to. If you’re close to them, you might also be close to achieving your goal.
  8. Your mind is trying to get your attention if you have the same dream repeatedly. Unresolved issues and emotional distress can be brought up by your subconscious while you’re asleep. Something in your life may be unresolved or stuck, and your brain is trying very hard to draw your attention to it. [12]
    • Recurring dreams could also signify that your spirit guides are trying to send you a message. Interpreting your dreams can help you understand what they’re trying to communicate.
    • If you feel like you can’t move or are stuck in one place, it could mean that you feel helpless and unsure how to address the problem that’s plaguing you. But don’t worry! If you’re reading this article, you’re already taking a step forward.
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Section 3 of 3:

What to Do after You’ve Had a Chasing Dream

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  1. If you’ve narrowed down what’s causing you to stress out, the best thing to do is to face your problems head-on and address any situations in your workplace, home life, or relationships that are causing you stress. You might also consider taking steps to reduce your stress . Find a way to consistently exercise, eat balanced meals, practice deep breathing , and make time in your waking life for relaxation. [13]
    • Try putting the situation you’re stressing over into perspective. Ask yourself if the cause of your anxiety will matter a year from now, or vent your concerns to a close family member or friend and ask for their advice.
    • Practicing meditation can also help you think more positively and relax both your body and your mind.
  2. A lucid dream is one where you’re aware that you’re dreaming while you’re still asleep. Some lucid dreamers are even able to change the storyline of their dream. You may be able to have a lucid dream and confront your pursuer if you enter with the right mindset. While you’re in the dream, consciously ask your brain to identify the things that are chasing you so you can confront them and free yourself from nightmares. [14]
    • To increase your chances of having a lucid dream, think about your dreams as soon as you wake up and record them in a dream journal . Even if you can’t remember an entire dream, writing down everything you remember each night can help you become more aware of your dreaming world. [15]
    • Lucid dreaming can also help break the cycles of recurring dreams because it allows you to think or react differently than you would in a normal dream. [16]
  3. Establishing a sleep routine can help you sleep more soundly during the night, which can reduce the chance of nightmares. Set regular sleep and waking times, make sure your room is dark and cool, avoid stimulating beverages like coffee in the afternoon, and engage in relaxing activities like reading, writing, or drawing. [17]
    • You can also reduce nightmares by cutting back on alcohol, avoiding nighttime snacking or larger meals, journaling your worries, and reading or watching emotionally positive and happy content before bed.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.canadianliving.com/health/mind-and-spirit/article/dream-of-being-chased-interpretation-and-meaning
      2. ↑ https://www.dreaminterpretation.org/dream-of-being-chased/
      3. ↑ https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/health/a11043/8-common-dreams-and-what-they-mean/
      4. ↑ https://www.dreaminterpretation.org/dream-of-being-chased/
      5. ↑ https://www.dreaminterpretation.org/dream-of-being-chased/
      6. ↑ https://idreamedthis.com/dream-about-being-chased-by-a-predator/
      7. ↑ https://mydreamsmeaning.com/dream-about-car-chase-meaning/
      8. ↑ https://www.wellbeing.com.au/mind-spirit/spirituality/dreams-chased-pursued-mean.html
      9. ↑ https://www.dreaminterpretation.org/dream-of-being-chased/
      1. ↑ https://shuteye.ai/dream-about-being-chased/
      2. ↑ https://www.thelist.com/897534/what-does-it-mean-when-you-dream-about-chasing-someone/
      3. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a39789562/recurring-dreams-meaning/
      4. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/top-ways-to-reduce-daily-stress
      5. ↑ https://www.canadianliving.com/health/mind-and-spirit/article/dream-of-being-chased-interpretation-and-meaning
      6. ↑ http://diyhpl.us/~bryan/papers2/dreaming/Lucidity%20Institute%20Research%20Papers.pdf
      7. ↑ https://theconversation.com/being-chased-losing-your-teeth-or-falling-down-what-science-says-about-recurring-dreams-166006
      8. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/04/health/how-to-stop-nightmares-in-adults-wellness/index.html

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