How can I learn to stop worrying so much?

Question

I worry constantly about EVERYTHING. I'm not a freak or something, but I do worry a lot of school work, recitals, and lots of other things. It can really drive me mad sometimes...what can I do?

Answer 1

This is very common, but you can train yourself to reduce your worries. There are two major points. First, realize that worry can be helpful or it can be a waste of valuable time if it simply causes stress and doesn't produce solutions to problems. Second, realize that you can change the amount of time you worry.

Here is an idea, which will take some time to practice but eventually you will learn to do this:

Designate a "worry time" each time of the day, preferably at night. No person needs more than 30 minutes a day of worry time. This worry time must be productive, a time to solve problems that you are worried about. Use this time to write down causes of worry, brain storm possible ideas, be focused on solving problems. At the end of 30 minutes, you need to stop, because the rest of your worry time will come the next day.

Worry with no productive use of the time is unhealthy and can make you physically and emotionally sick. With this plan the trick is to practice telling yourself EVERY minute every day, whenever you start to worry, STOP.... and save it for that night's "worry time". This way you know that you can do something positive about it, and more easily let go of the worry.

Don't worry, be happy. :-)

Answer 2

The first thing I would recommend is to try to determine whether your nagging worries are only worry and not a generalized anxiety disorder, in which case medication would be helpful. I can't tell just from what you wrote, so to rule out anxiety disorder I would ask myself if my worries are more than the average person, and if so, how much more? Does it interfere with your daily life, keep you from doing certain things or making it difficult to enjoy the things you like doing?

Otherwise, if it's just regular worry, you mention specifically school work and recitals, sounds like you worry about your performance (which is common). It's not a solution unto itself but pausing for half a second to take a deep breath can really help with acute attacks of nervousness, I know it sounds like a silly remedy that everyone prescribes, but give it a try, it can give you a moment to recover.

Answer 3

The spirit is in you. You may be so mind identified that you only get peeks at it rarely. The way to stop worrying so much can be done right now and that is to get into the only real moment that is, The Now Moment. Most people believe they are their thoughts. This is very untrue. We are not our thoughts. Once you get yourself into the present moment you will see that we are not our thoughts. The thoughts have their job and their job is to do anything to make you believe that who you are , are your thoughts. This ego mind set will do whatever it can to get you to believe you are your thoughts. This is why so many people are so mind identified , the ego is at work on everyone. You are the essence of consciousness. When you recognize the ego in your mind for what it is, just thoughts, you can then become the watcher of your thoughts. Then instead of your mind using you like it does you will use the mind. You will put the mind to work for you instead of working for your mind. The 'I'm my thoughts", is a dysfunction of the human being that's been going on for thousands of years. In order for you to watch your thoughts you have to get yourself into this moment. The only moment that is true and real. When you are in this moment you will experience all the joy, love, happiness, and acceptance of your "Being". You will awaken". You will be in the now. To bring yourself into the now you have to quiet the mind, the thoughts. Get yourself into the present moment. Your ego won't like it because the ego and the present moment cannot co-exist. The present moment is the ego's worst enemy. You have to start having thought gaps, periods without thinking, which will bring you right into this present moment. The present moment is the spirit because when you are in the present moment you'll realize the joy, love, happiness, and you will accept things . If you are having problems getting into the present moment you can do conscious breathing. Watch your diaphragm fill with air and watch it deflate. While you are doing this your mind can't think and it puts you in the present moment. Stay in the present moment as long as you can. As long as your busy mind will let you. Then notice the voice in the head trying to resist the present moment. It is the ego doing anything to keep it's identity. Keep trying daily where you can stay in this beautiful present moment longer and longer.. Awaken to the real beauty of this Now Moment and you will stop worrying because you will accept what is. You will see the joy and happiness that is in this moment. You will have more enthusiasm than you believed possible. And that is,Spiritually Speaking, learning how to stop worrying.

Answer 4

Worry is by natural by been human, but what could you tell a person that worry about everything.First of all pray on the saturation, if you do not believe in prayer, then you need to seek help. I can tell you to do yoga or some other kind of exercise by going to the gym, taken in a show, reading a book,been around people, going to visit friend or family folk, just keeping yourself busy until every thing dies down.

Answer 5

A little worry is okay, even helpful because it focuses you on the tasks that need to be performed in your life. This becomes a problem only when your worries paralyze you emotionally. Some folks try Transcendental Meditation to help them remain centered. If you feel you are overwhelmed by your worry, maybe you should consult a professional therapist to help you learn to cope with your worries and your stress.

Answer 6

talk to someone abotu it. find a good friend you can really talk to. if you can't find anyone, even family..... then maybe if you believe in god, you can pray for some guidence. if you can't do that... then try maybe a counselor or shrink.

some people have a lot of sucess with zoloft.

it is very normal to worry about a stuff a lot. i always tell myself to look to the future and not worry too much because what will be will be.

Answer 7

.stop worrying! It's not that simple. Some people are worriers and some are not. I am not. My house could be in flames, and My boss could be on the phone firing me, And it could be 10 degrees and snowing with me in my underwear and i wouldn't worry then. I might act and reach but i just don't worry. What good is it? Tryt to marry someone who doesn't worry so you two can keep each other sane.

Answer 8

All you have to do is learn to accept that life is going to happen whether you are ready for it or not. As much as you try, you cannot control all aspects of your life, no one can. Just accept that things will happen, and go with the old saying.....just roll with the punches. Take everyday as a new day. Dont think about everything you have to do this week, just what you have to do today. Good luck.

Answer 9

With all those activities and such a tight schedule is there no wonder you are over-energized. Do you really have to do all those activities? there doesn't seem to be any time left to stop ,for just a moment.All that life running and just because you can do them doesn't mean you should. If slowing down is what you want then start walking and not running through your life.

Answer 10

I think taking a break when right when you are having these feelings. take a break no matter how small and take it just for Darling, not thinking about anything or anyone else. Pray to a god or a past loved one to take away the anxiety. Or just breathe. Maybe a power nap or power meditation. mellooow.
wish u well
FZ