We know that anxiety can be tough to deal with, especially when it seems like the “worry monster” is always lurking around the corner. But here’s the thing: that worry monster is a big fat liar. It loves to play the “What if?” mind game, focusing on the worst case scenario, which leaves us feeling helpless. But here’s the good news: just because we think something is going to happen, doesn’t mean it will. In fact, about 85% of our worries never come true!
Actually, worry does serve an important function – it draws our attention to things that we might need to be doing, preparing for, or preventing. It gives us the motivation to take action and protect ourselves. So when it’s helpful, let worry motivate you. But if you find it unproductive and overwhelming, there are things you can do to put some space between you and your worry monster..
First of all, try questioning your thoughts: Is this worry true? Is it helpful? Is it something I can control? Chances are, if you answer “no” to any of these questions, it’s time to let that worry go.
Next, try engaging in activities that take your mind off of things. Drawing, coloring, playing an instrument, or participating in a physical activity like sports or dance are all great options. You can’t worry and focus on a task at the same time, so finding something to do that fully engages your attention can be really helpful.
Finally, don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. There are lots of relaxation techniques you can try, like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness. And if your anxiety is severe or persistent, it might be helpful to talk to someone you trust. They can work with you to develop coping skills and strategies to manage your anxiety more effectively.
So there you have it – a few tips for dealing with anxiety and the pesky worry monster. Remember, it’s totally normal to experience anxiety from time to time. The key is to learn how to manage it in a healthy and productive way.