What Does it Mean to Worry?
Worrying is the act of dwelling on difficulties or troubles in our lives. When we worry about something, it is usually a response to life changes, the future, or current uncertainties.
Some reasons people worry are because of a stressful environment or a bad relationship. Other causes of worry could be health issues, financial problems, or mental health disorders.
Worrying can cause a sense of restlessness and confusion. In other cases, worrying can be good! People who worry responsibly can make resilient problem-solvers!
How Much Worry Is Too Much?
There are signs to look out for when you worry too much. People who worry too much are always looking for what can go wrong, and they are constantly looking for potential problems. When you constantly worry, you can feel emotionally drained.
For some people, excessive worrying can turn into an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can give you a sense of uneasiness and restlessness. How do you know the difference between worry and anxiety?
For the most part, we use our minds and emotions to worry. When we become anxious, it becomes the body’s problem as well. When you are anxious, you may find it hard to function on a normal basis. You may experience physical symptoms as well as emotional symptoms.
Some physical symptoms you may exhibit are sleep problems, feelings of impending doom, trouble breathing, stomach problems, headaches, and lack of concentration.
If you want to read more on worrying and its correlation to other mental health disorders, consider using BetterHelp as a reliable resource.
Overcoming Excessive Worrying
Accept the Uncontrollable
One way to overcome excessive worrying is by realizing that you are not able to predict everything. It’s best to ask yourself if your worrying is productive or not. If worrying is helping you solve your problem, then that is great. However, excessive worrying focuses on the things you can and cannot control. To stop yourself from spiralling, try to control what you can and let go of the rest.
Learn to Distinguish the Difference Between Reality and Worry
When we excessively worry, we think of all the things that could go wrong. Even the things that are not probable can cause worry for some people. Those that experience severe fretting or anxiety can get overwhelmed with all of their thoughts. Consider writing in a journal to put your feelings onto paper. By writing your jumbled thoughts into words, you can see which items deserve your time. For example, you can allow yourself to think about a work presentation but not unforeseen car crashes.
Have a Trusted Support System
Surround yourself with people you can rely on. Everyone needs honest relationships in their life. By surrounding yourself with people who tell you the truth, you can overcome excessive worrying. Not only does it combat isolation, but it can help keep us rational. Talking with supportive friends or family can offer a new view of the situation and be an effective way to stop worrying.
Learn How to Calm Your Mind
There are many ways that you can learn how to calm your mind. Many people turn to meditation and breathing techniques to help themselves relax. With practice, you can use calming exercises to distract you from your anxious thoughts. Another way people calm their minds is through exercise or yoga. Moving your body in deliberate motions can also help take your mind off the things that worry you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
If you’re worrying is stopping you from living your life to the fullest, consider cognitive behavioural therapy. Therapy is like having an extra member on your support team. Therapists can help you overcome your worry and teach you techniques that can calm your mind. There are also several online therapy options, that you can choose from as well. You can reach a therapist via in-person, messaging, video, or phone. With its easy accessibility, therapy can help you become resilient against life’s worries.
