| Everyone worries. As bothersome as it is, worry | | | | but you've taken a proactive step and are |
| isn't all bad, and can actually work for you. Worry | | | | moving forward with life. |
| can give you a jolt of energy, spark your | | | | 5. Take care of yourself. Poor eating hbits and |
| creative thinking, and help you to meet deadlines. | | | | lack of sleep can make worry worse. So eat a |
| The trick is to keep worry under control and | | | | balanced diet and try to get eight hours of sleep |
| these tips will help you do that. | | | | a night. If you haven't had a physical exam in a |
| 1. Identify the source. Though it can take days, | | | | while this may be the time to get one. And even |
| weeks, or even months, identifying the source of | | | | though you're worried, make time for your |
| your worry is time well spent. You may feel | | | | friends and social activities. |
| anxious all the time, for example, constantly | | | | 6. Get moving. Mayo Clinic psychologist Kristen |
| looking over your shoulder, and thinking something | | | | Vickers-Douglas, PhD, in an article on says there's |
| awful is about to happen. Once you'e identified | | | | "substantial evidence that exercise can enhance |
| these feelings as anticipatory grief you can do | | | | mood." You don't have to run a marathon or lift |
| something about them. | | | | weights to boost your spirits, a daily walk will do |
| 2. See the big picture. Or as author Richard | | | | it. Others find spritual comfort in meditation. |
| Carlson, PhD puts it, "Don't sweat the small stuff . | | | | 7. Appreciate nauture. Life is more beautiful when |
| . . and it's all small stuff." Carlson says we let | | | | you take the time to appreciate birds and flowers |
| ourselves get "worked up over things that, upon | | | | and trees. Recognizing this fact, five Wisconsin |
| closer examination, aren't really that big a deal." | | | | towns got together and crafted the "Leaf Your |
| Getting a flat tire on the way to work is nothing | | | | Worries Behind" tourism campign, a "relaxing |
| compared to chronic disease, famine, or terrorirm. | | | | autumn getaway in the Northwoods." No matter |
| Sometimes it's hard to see the big picture, so you | | | | where you live, take the time to appreciate |
| may have to consciously de-clutter your mind to | | | | nature. |
| bring it into focus. | | | | 8. Watch fewer newscasts. In the era of 24-hour |
| 3. Catch the laughs. According to a University of | | | | television newscasts the same stories are aired |
| Maryland Medical Center study, humor is good | | | | again and again. Often these newscasts contain |
| medicine. Michael Miller, MD, Director for the | | | | horrific images, images that are stored in your |
| Center for Prventive Cardiology at the Center, | | | | mind. For peace of mind you may wish to watch |
| says regular exercise and healthy eating can | | | | one newscast and skip the rest. |
| reduce the risk of heart disease, adding, "Perhaps | | | | 9. Get help if you need it. According to |
| regular, hearty laughter should be added to the | | | | "Treatment of Specific Anxiety-Based problems," |
| list." Miller thinks we should incorporate laughter | | | | a chapter posted on the Psychological Self-Help |
| into our daily lives by reading funny stuff, | | | | Website, chronic worriers fret for several hours a |
| watching funny videos, and not taking ourselves | | | | day. What a waste! If you're a chronic worrier |
| so seriously. | | | | you may want to take a stress management |
| 4. Start a solutions list. Keep your list on a | | | | course or talk with a trained counselor. |
| computer or on a notepad. Every time you think | | | | 10. Credit yourself. You've taken steps to keep |
| of a solution jot it down. Maintain your list for a | | | | worry under control and that's a huge |
| week and put it away for a few days. Then take | | | | accomplishment. Applaud yourslf, cheer, or dance |
| it out, pick the best solution, and start working on | | | | around the kitchen. Instead of being a worry wort |
| it. The solution may not produce dramatic results, | | | | you're making worry work for you. Good job! |