What, Me Worry?
BY HEATHER E. SCHWARTZ
We all have a little anxiety at times. Here are some ways of dealing with it:
1. Visualize a good day in detail each morning.
Each night, review 10 successes. "Worriers tend to remember their failures rather than their successes," notes Helene. "Acknowledge success. Tell someone, write it down."
2. Make a list of your worries.
Allow yourself a short period each day to stress. When the time is up, quit worrying and move on.
3. Grade your anxiety on a scale of one to 10.
See how the number drops as you continue to face situations? Worry is manageable.
4. Focus on the world around you.
Notice the sights, sounds and smells. Connecting with nature can be a real nerve soother.
5. Act as if.
Even when you feel bad, choose to imagine the best and act as if you feel good.
6. Wear a rubber band on your wrist.
Whenever a negative thought takes hold, literally snap yourself out of it.
7. Do a reality check.
Is what you're worried about likely to happen? Probably not, so get out of your head and involved in the moment.
8. Ban the words always, never and forever from your vocabulary.
Think more realistically, using words like sometimes and maybe.
9. Keep your body healthy.
Get enough sleep, eat right, exercise regularly and limit your caffeine intake to reduce susceptibility to anxiety.
10. Be your own coach.
Fill your mind with encouraging thoughts. Magnify the positive, minimize the negative and remind yourself you can handle even the worst situation.
This articel appeared in Guideposts magazine.
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