What To Do If You Are A Worrier

Are you a worrier?

If you find yourself constantly worrying about something (whatever it may be) then you are a worrier. This can be big or small and it is often focused on something in the future although your past and present could cause you worries in their own ways. Worry can be a burdensome emotion that makes people feel anxious far more than they should.

Reasons why you might be a worrier

Worry can be caused by many life factors but typically it stems from one of these:

-A fear of the future or the mysteries it brings

-A troubled and or traumatic past

-Present circumstances that are not favorable

-An underlying mental health condition (such as anxiety)

A plethora of other things can cause worry. However, most cases of the worries are caused by one of those.

Ways to stop being a worrier

Some moderate levels of worry are good for people. Worry can serve as a mental alert of sorts and it can be used as a motivator for you to take action. Too much worry, however, might make daily life more difficult and compromise mental well-being. If you are an excessive worrier, here are some ways to keep this under control.

1. Accept things that are outside of your control

A lot of what may cause you worry is most likely outside of your control. It may not be ideal but the reality is people only have limited control over their lives. No matter how wealthy, intelligent and capable someone may seem, this does not guarantee they will have control at all times. It is a just a fact that you must accept. Some things may be out of your control and that’s okay. Accept these things, accept what they bring and learn to find happiness and move on despite them.

2. Prevent things from going wrong if you can

Although many things may not be in your control, if you find yourself worried about something that is then take some preventative action. Mind you taking action should be within reason – i.e. don’t do something that’ll just make matters worse and ultimately cause you more reasons to worry. However, when you can safely do something to resolve a concern do so. After all, if you’re able to deal with what’s causing you worry then you need not worry about it.

3. Focus on something neutral

When you feel the worries coming on you can learn to change your focus to something more neutral to alleviate the anxiety. This can mean taking a warm bath and focusing on the water, lying down in bed and staring at the ceiling for a little or possibly putting on some relaxing sounds or music. No matter what you choose, choose something that helps ease stress and get you into a calmer state.

4. Control irrational worries

When you find yourself worried about something try questioning if it is a rational worry. You may find that much of what you worry about is actually illogical and not worth dedicating thought or emotion to. How realistic is what you’re worried about? What are the chances it will truly happen? If you reflect on your thoughts and notice that there is not much logic to them then you have no reason to continue feeling concerned.

5. Change your negative thought patterns

If you are a worrier this may be because you have a tendency to focus heavily on the negative possibilities. Even if a worry is rational, why are you so focused on it? Try focusing on the favorable outcomes more –after all, favorable outcomes are possible too. You may forget that because your mind may lean towards the negative possibilities more often. Keep reminding yourself that things can go your way, things can go right and not every worry is likely one.

6. Relax!

If you are worried then you are not relaxed. One of the ways to combat constant worrying is by relaxing. Take time to not think about all the things that frighten you and instead just take it easy. Having chilled conversations with friends, going for a walk, sleeping and many other activities can be relaxing and help combat stress. Make use of relaxation techniques if you’re feeling anxious: focusing on your breathing, breathing deeply, muscle relaxation and mind clearing.

7. Seek professional help

Since constant worry could very well be a mental health issue you may want to consider getting professional help to deal with it. If you are worried because of anxiety or due to trauma (for example) then a therapist or counselor may help you learn new thinking techniques to help calm you down or help you go through therapeutic methods like exposure therapy. If your worries are going out of control and other strategies don’t work then this is something you might want to consider.