Have you been feeling stressed and anxious lately? You’re not alone — this is a completely normal reaction during stressful times.
Worry can lead to:
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Negative thoughts and expecting the worst
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Constant fear that something bad will happen
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Underestimating your own strength and abilities
The good news is: you can take control of this. If these kinds of thoughts trouble you, and you find yourself misjudging situations or doubting yourself — don’t follow those thoughts blindly. You have the power to reshape your thinking.
Next time you’re overwhelmed with worry, remember these three rules:
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The worst-case scenario you imagine usually doesn’t happen.
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Worrying won’t change the outcome — your anxiety has no impact on whether or not what you fear will actually occur.
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In most cases, the actual outcome is far less catastrophic than expected.
If you find yourself constantly worrying, try this simple method:
Write down five problems that are currently bothering you. Describe each one in detail. Then, for each problem, ask yourself the following questions:
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Is there another way I can look at this situation?
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Is this really the worst thing that could happen?
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Am I being objective, or is this fear part of my imagination?
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What evidence do I have against this fear?
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How have I successfully handled similar situations in the past?
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Will I still be worried about this five years from now? Will it still matter?
Everyone experiences stress and anxiety when facing challenges. Each of us responds differently to difficult situations, and feeling anxious during a crisis is normal. But by applying these simple steps, you’ll gain more control over your thoughts and emotions.
