Easy Tips to Stop Worrying

No Worries--Easy Tips to Stop Worrying

Everyone worries. But often worry doesn’t solve the problem or change the outcome. Instead of concentrating on the worrying, replace it with thinking, which will help you discover a solution. Here are ways to stop the worry:

1. Develop a Game Plan. Write down your worry, followed by the worst thing that could happen if what you’re worried about comes true, and finally, list three strategies for dealing with the worst case scenario.
2. Imagine the Best Case Scenario. So often we worry about the worst thing that could possibly happen. Next time you’re worried, visualize yourself resolving it by immediately asking yourself "What’s good about this?"
3. Don’t Procrastinate. Putting things off can heighten anxiety, which causes worry and panic. Instead, break big projects down into easier-to-handle small tasks that you can work on one day at a time.
4. Become Your Own Cheerleader. We can be our own worst enemies, so it’s important to encourage ourselves. It may seem silly at first, but start telling yourself nice things, instead of negative self-talk. 
5. Find a Hobby. Instead of wasting time worrying, find something that requires your attention that you enjoy. But don’t make it watching TV, which is linked to mulling over your thoughts repeatedly.
6. Keep Perspective. Most of what you worry about are things you don’t have any control over, so it’s not worthwhile to think about it. Once you examine what you’re worried about and accept that it’s out of your hands, you will worry about it less.
7. Develop a Strategy. The next time you feel worry coming on, do something that you know gets you in a positive mood, which helps you feel calm and focused.
8. Get Your Zs. Fatigue tends to exacerbate anxiety, but worrying also causes insomnia. To help you get to sleep, keep a journal by your bed to write down thoughts that are keeping you awake.
9. Laugh at Yourself. Smiling and laughing can quickly diffuse a situation. When something is upsetting you, think of memories that make you laugh.

Source: Today.com,  Prevention magazine