Worry, is, unfortunately, a necessary aspect of most of our lives. All too often, it comes hand-in-hand with caring about something. A healthy amount of anxiety can keep us from making silly mistakes and neglecting important responsibilities. What happens, though, when worry begins to take over our lives? Too much anxiety can get in the way of our relationships and accomplishments, and keep us from being our best selves. Here are five things you can do to prevent worry from controlling your life:
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Face Your Fears
Fear can stand for two things: F*** Everything And Run, or Face Everything And Rise! Running from our anxieties only makes them seem larger and scarier, looming in the back of our mind. Acknowledging them, however, can be incredibly powerful. As Victor Hugo once said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it.” Go out and master that worry, and you will build courage and pride in its place.
Exercise
Anxiety affects some of us very physically, so it makes sense that it can be very effective to let go of tension in a physical way. A good workout can take you out of your head and reset your mind in a much more positive direction. You’ll find it very hard to worry when you’re working up a sweat! In the end, you will leave the gym with a strong sense of accomplishment and a sweet rush of endorphins.
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Take Time for Yourself
Most of us live very busy lives, and in our rush for productivity our sense of inner peace can become neglected. Schedule a half-hour every day to do something that you enjoy. You will be amazed at the difference that a very small amount of self-care can have on your ability to care for your loved ones and your work obligations. Paint, run, or read in the bathtub – it can be anything, as long as it’s only for you.
Meditate
Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, and is often recommended for those who struggle with chronic anxiety. Clearing your mind can give your brain just the break it’s been needing. Soon you will be able to look at your problems with fresh eyes and a calm heart.
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Seek Help
While the tips above can be helpful, there is a certain level of anxiety that can benefit from professional help. If your worrying is interfering with your daily life, causing panic attacks, and keeping you from being the best version of yourself, consider speaking with your doctor or attending counseling. You are certainly not alone – anxiety disorders affect almost one in every five American adults.
The presence of a little bit of worry can be a sign that we have a full life with lots of things to care for. However, if your anxiety is making it difficult to be yourself, it may be time to take a step back. Implement one of the ideas above, or try them all! They are sure to lead to a happier, healthier, and more worry-free you.
