10 Simple Solutions for Worry

Being preoccupied with worry takes time and energy, and the world passes by as your life stands still. It may seem that some people go through life without a care in the world. The truth is, at some point we all have worries--it's a part of life. A few simple solutions can help you take control and turn negative thinking into productive time.

Keep Busy

• Diverting your attention to a new or favorite hobby can center your thoughts toward being productive. A hobby that requires your attention, such as knitting or crocheting to a pattern or creating a woodworking project, also requires concentration. Staying focused will keep your mind off worrying.

  Exercising with a friend on in a group keeps your body fit and your brain occupied. Fitness and community centers offer classes during various times throughout the day. If a structured program isn't available to you, you could ask a friend to join you in a daily walk instead.

Control

• Breaking up large projects into small, manageable tasks makes them less stressful. For example, planning a wedding is overwhelming, but when jobs are delegated to responsible people, the burden becomes lighter. Rather than worrying about the big picture, it helps to tackle small tasks until the job is finished.

  Procrastinating builds up anxiety, which causes you to worry about the outcome. Whether you need to resolve an issue at work or at home, it's best to set a time limit to take care of the problem and then stick to it. You need to take action quickly and tackle problems as they come to you if you want to keep worry at bay.

  Keeping a daily or weekly schedule of events that are important will put you in control. Referring to the list and keeping up to date will reassure yourself that you are on top of these events and nothing is forgotten.

More Options

• Making a list of your worries and keeping track of the outcome may help when similar problems come up in the future. As problems and worries are resolved, you can learn from your mistakes and continue to grow.

  Friends or family members who have positive attitudes or have overcome difficult situations are good role models. Asking them for advice in how they deal with worry and difficult situations can give you insight to handle your own worries.

  Taking daytime naps makes falling asleep at bedtime difficult, so the temptation to catch-up during the day should be avoided. Reading a book can take your mind off problems before going to sleep. A sleeping schedule with a set time to go to bed and get up will be helpful.

  Donating time to help others in your neighborhood or becoming a volunteer worker lessens the time you have to focus on yourself.

  When you have done the best that you can in any situation, such as a job interview, it is unproductive to second-guess yourself or worry about the past.