While it’s natural to be anxious before a big event or a significant change in one’s life, excessive worry can have detrimental health consequences. Worrying excessively can weigh heavily on your relationships, self-esteem, work, and other parts of your life.
Here are 5 things that you can try that will help you stop worrying
1. Make time for worrying
Although it may seem paradoxical to devote time to your anxieties, studies have shown that doing so might help lessen anxious thoughts and improve sleep.
To begin, pick a period during the day when you can devote 20 minutes to nothing but worrying. The objective is to spend some time focusing on your troubling thoughts, regardless of what time of day it is. When worries arise outside this time, acknowledge them briefly, but only devote your complete attention to them during your regular concern time. This will bring you in control of your worries.
You can discover that your issues aren’t as urgent as you had thought by focusing on them for a fixed amount of time. This will allow your mind to concentrate on more fruitful ideas.
2. Avoid procrastination
Many people waste time fretting about what they need to do instead of getting things done. Make a list of all the things you need to get done to overcome procrastination. Add another item to the list every time you have a worry about anything else you need to take care of. This list can also help you get back on track to becoming more productive. Rather than thinking about what has to be done, concentrate on completing each activity on your list.
3. Turn your negative thoughts into positive ones
Recognizing, reality-checking, and replacing your fears and other negative thoughts are all steps in the process of turning them around. Begin by identifying how frequently you worry during the day. Next, examine your concerns and determine whether they are feasible.
Try to see the anxiety or negative thinking from a different perspective. You might be able to gain a new perspective by reality-checking and contesting your anxieties. Finally, substitute more realistic phrases for negative thoughts and fears.
4. Relaxation techniques should be tried
When you are relaxed, you are less likely to be anxious. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are all relaxation techniques that can help you release tension throughout your body and let go of your worrying thoughts.
5. Discuss it
Sharing your thoughts and concerns with a trustworthy friend or family member who can provide you with empathy and understanding may provide you with some relief. They can also provide you with helpful counsel and a fresh perspective on your issues.
If you are a persistent worrier, you should get therapy from a specialist who specializes in anxiety disorders.
