10 ways to conquer worry
Whether or not you believe that worry is bad for your health, it certainly puts a damper on your enjoyment of life. And with today’s lifestyle, there’s certainly lots to worry about. That’s why it’s important to adopt strategies to help keep worry in its place. Here are 10 for you to try.
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Put it on paper.
When your head is filled with nagging thoughts, write them down on paper to help you see clearly and gain perspective.
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Chip away at it.
Instead of dragging yourself down with an unending list of chores or obligations, set up a “holding pen” — a master list of everything you need to do. Each day or each week, transfer just one item to your daily calendar to help you manage your tasks more effectively.
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Ask yourself, “what if”?
As in, “what would happen if I don’t complete that assignment/make dinner tonight/send birthday cards on time?” Chances are, nothing too terrible will happen.
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Focus on a solution.
Review the situation that’s causing you to worry, and think of some solutions to meet the problem head on.
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Get a reality check.
Find a friend to talk to about problems before they grow too big. The fresh perspective may help shrink the worries back down to a more realistic and manageable size.
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Live one day at a time.
Worry is by nature forward-looking. Focus on real issues that you need to face right now and try not to sweat the small stuff.
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Have a mantra.
It may sound “new age,” but a mantra is just a way of re-programming your self-talk from a negative message into a positive one. So, if you worry about not getting everything done, for instance, keep saying to yourself, “I will do what I am able to do — what’s in my control — and not worry about the things I can’t control.”
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Distract yourself.
Humans can only hold so many thoughts in their head at one time. Divert your attention elsewhere — ideally a hobby, a good book, or an activity you really enjoy — to take your mind off things. Remember to turn off your television and cell phone so that you can truly enjoy the diversion.
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Surround yourself with good company.
One of the best diversions is other people. Take this time to enjoy an activity with your family or friends — and remember what life is really all about.
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Seek inspiration.
Almost everyone has a source of inspiration — a book of poems they turn to for comfort, a spiritual guide to light the way, a role model they look up to. Rediscover your inspiration.