Boards
Worrying is one of those habits that we all hate but that some of us can’t help but do on a daily basis. As a chronic worrier, trust me on this: worrying sucks. I worry about everything all day long, from how long my commute home will be to if all of my family and friends are safe (don’t ask). If you’re another one of those people who can’t stop worrying about things no matter how hard you try, I feel your pain.
And apparently, it’s also not very surprising that you might feel that way. According to a new study, women are more likely than men to say they feel worried or anxious on a regular basis – especially younger women. That’s a statistic I don’t like. A small amount of worrying can definitely be good for anyone – if no one ever thought about consequences, this world would be insane – but worrying too much can take up way too much of your time.
The big question is: how do you stop worrying? After all of my years of anxiety-ridden thoughts and constant worrying running through my mind, I’ve come up with a few tips to just relax and push those nagging thoughts out of your brain. Check out these eight tips on how to stop worrying:
Talk It Out
If you're feeling really anxious or worried about something, talking to someone else might help. They may be able to calm you down or remind you that things aren't as bad as you think they may be. Sometimes we need a voice of reason to remind us that worrying is never going to solve any problems. Also, venting about your issues may lift a weight off your shoulders. Source: ShutterStockDo Something Relaxing
What always calms you down? For me, it's going to the beach and sitting by the ocean. For you, it might be listening to a favorite song, taking a walk, watching a funny movie, smelling a yummy candle - whatever it is, do it if you have the time. Sometimes you just need to clear your head. Source: ShutterStockFocus On The Present
When you're worrying, you're focusing on the future. But there's really no point to doing that, because you can't control the future! You may need to force yourself to focus on the present. Take a look around you and remind yourself that whatever happens, happens. You need to relax and let go. Source: ShutterStockDistract Yourself With Something Fun
Maybe instead of relaxing on your own, you need to get out there and do something fun that will distract you from whatever bad thoughts you're having. Take your dog for a walk, call your bestie and make plans to hang out, go shopping with your mom. Just do something fun - before you know it, you'll be having such a good time that you forgot what you were ever worrying about. Source: ShutterStockImagine The Worst
This tip might sound really weird to you - why would you imagine the worst when you're worrying about something? Wouldn't that just make you worry more? But experts swear it works. As one expert told the Huffington Post, "Oftentimes, you will see that the fear is bigger in your mind than what could actually happen. This exercise helps create perspective." Source: ShutterStockMake A Worry List
Stressing about a whole bunch of stuff? It may be helpful to write it down. You don't need to go into a long diary entry with all of your feelings (unless you want to). You just need to make a worry list. Write down everything that is bothering you the most. Once you're down, analyze it and decide which things are worth worrying about and which aren't. Source: ShutterStockTry Some Deep Breathing
It may sound too weird and New Age-y for you, but deep breathing exercises actually do calm you down. One that I really like is sitting down and placing your head between your knees while breathing deeply for a few minutes. Another thing you can do is stop your mind, and take three very deep, slow breaths. Or try some yoga, if you're into that. Source: ShutterStockGive Yourself Worry Time
This is another tip that may sound totally weird and counterproductive, but again, experts say it works. Give yourself 5-20 minutes a day of worry time and tell yourself that this is the only time you're allowed to worry. Spend that time indulging all of your worries and when time is up, force yourself to stop thinking and go out there and do something. Source: ShutterStockHow do you stop worrying? How do you calm yourself down when you’re feeling really stressed out? Tell me in the comments.
I have terrible anxiety about sex
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter
