04 Aug, 2008

1. Question it. Is it really your problem? Could you be taking responsibility for something that’s not yours? Are you taking something personally that’s not intended that way?

2. Talk about it. Share your thoughts with a friend, family member or colleague. We often can’t see a situation clearly when it relates to us, so it’s good to talk to someone you trust for their perspective.

3. Write it down. Put it down on paper and then put it aside. Look at it again in a few days or weeks time to see if it still bothers you in the same way.

4. Take a deep breath. When you worry you tend to shallow breathe which can make your body more stressed. Rather, inhale deeply and exhale with a few sighs. It’s important to slow your breathing rate down, fill your lungs with air and exhale for a few minutes per day. Your body relaxes when you breathe and when you’re relaxed it’s much harder to worry or feel anxious.

5. Hold it. Say ‘stop’, pause and steady your thoughts. Remind yourself that negativity won’t help, so adopt an optimistic approach to tackle the issue.
6. Work it off. Do something physical to give your stress and tension an outlet.

7. Distance yourself from it. Imagine it a few years from now and ask yourself how much – or how little – it will matter to you then.

8. Balance it. Find the good in the situation – not just the bad. Ask yourself what you can take away from it and remember that life is a learning process.

9. Exaggerate it. Picture the worst that can really happen. How likely is it and is it really that bad?

10. Laugh it off. Don’t take everything too seriously and don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes – everyone makes them. Look for the humour in the situation and have a good laugh about it.