We all have experienced the feel of being worried. While it is a normal human reaction to feel worried, some of us take it to a whole new level. This is where worrying goes from a natural human reaction syndrome to being a compulsive worrying disorder. As you know too much of anything is not good for us. And worry is not an exception. Being worried can be a worrying syndrome if not treated in the right time and in the right way. There are different shades of this worry index and hence the below 3 tips may or may not apply to you but nevertheless its good to be aware of these.
- Force your mind go somewhere else.
This tip may sound easy, but it does require some effort to distract yourself from worrying. To get your mind off your worries, try to get busy on something else. For example, you can try walking, watching television, or reading a good book.
Make a long list of ‘what you can do when you start to worry’ and then do it as soon as you find yourself going there. Some possibilities include
- Workout or go for a walk or run.
- Complete pending household chores.
- Arrange your backlog of papers.
- Clean your surroundings / work place / work station.
- Read book magazine or newspaper.
- Watch your favorite sitcom or movie.
- Reach out to your favorite hobby or game
Of course we may not be able to do these at all times so keeping a long list will be advisable.
- Talk
Talking to your friend or family member will help in making you feel less worried and also get the other persons perspective in the picture. While talking is certainly useful, many of us may not feel comfortable opening up and hence writing down in a journal may also help to reduce this.
- Practice mindfulness and relaxation
Relaxation works wonders if practiced regularly through meditation, gratitude affirmations and prayers. Many of us also feel less worried when workout is coupled with yoga and breathing exercises. Nutrition and eating right foods and right amounts go a long way in reducing worry.
All in all, it’s a process which has to be followed rather than a quick fix method. Once we practise one or more of these on a regular basis we will gradually learn and eventually even break this worrying habit.
