Life is stressful. But if you feel like a worry-wart, just know that you’re not alone. Whether you’re worried about your friends and family, social situations, work, dating, your midlife crisis, or just the state of the world today, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
While worry serves its purpose, too much of it can short circuit your brain. It can leave you feeling exhausted and helpless, and this is when it becomes a problem.
There are plenty of tips on how to calm yourself down, from meditating to breathing to journaling. But you must look at your underlying thought patterns to address the root of the problem. These patterns are what bring you back to that same worried place, time and again. So how can we deal with them?
You Are Not Your Thoughts
Many of us worry about things that are out of our control. What’s frustrating is that, despite knowing that our worry is pointless and nonsensical, we can’t stop. We criticize ourselves and wonder, “why can’t I stop worrying?”
Try not to beat yourself up. You are not your thoughts; thoughts are just things that happen to you. Rather than trying to stop the ocean’s waves, let them break over you.
Exposure Therapy
We all have fears. Regardless of what yours is, it’s likely that you’ll come up against it at some point. It will happen, and you need to learn to be okay with it. Sometimes, your fears will come true, but they won’t be as bad as you’re expecting them to be. Sometimes, a little bit of exposure therapy goes a long way toward making these fears less intimidating.
Don’t Overstimulate
As great as it is on some levels, social media can have a huge negative impact. If you find yourself becoming scared, overwhelmed, or if you’re comparing yourself to others, just log off for a little while. Remember, the way people portray themselves online is not always the truth.
On the same track, don’t feel that you constantly have to read disheartening or scary news articles. You don’t always have to engage in discussions that are intended to make you angry and argumentative. It’s okay to turn it off.
If your worry is extreme and extends beyond what the average person experiences, you may be dealing with anxiety. If you find yourself having a panic attack, this is not just your average case of the worries. In these situations, it’s normal and healthy to seek professional help. You don’t have to struggle by yourself.
In conclusion, your fears, and worries, whether rational or irrational, are there inside your head. You can’t logic yourself into not worrying about them. If you can’t change the situation with your behavior, you simply must weather it. Let the worry move through you and work on adjusting your thought patterns.
Like ocean waves, you can let worry pull you under, or you can ride it out until they calm down. Worry is part of you, but it doesn’t control you. It’s normal. You’ll be okay.
For more tips and support on how to carry on in the face of adversity, follow us here and check back often. Business Workspaces is dedicated to helping small businesses do more, even in times of great upheaval. Stay safe out there, and don’t forget to breathe.
