The narrator, in light of his experience on the sailboat where he faced his fear of being buried alive, completely changed his lifestyle. He says, "My soul acquired tone- acquired temper. I went abroad. I took vigorous exercise. I breathed the free air of heaven. I thought upon other subjects then Death. I discarded my medical books. In short, I became a new man, and lived a man's life." I do think that this reaction is typical when someone faces their fears.