“Whatever will be, will be”
If you know me, you know I worry a lot and I am going to share with you my story and how I deal with worry and anxiety. Fortunately, I know I am not alone on this one. Anxiety is something that has become more present in my life as I have grown and become more aware of my surroundings. Research shows that 40 million Americans over the age of 18 are affected by anxiety, which is roughly 18 percent of the nation’s population. There are many different types and cases, some more severe than others and I like to classify myself as just someone who worries a little too much, rather than attaching a label to my identity.
It’s okay to worry and in some situations it can actually be healthy in a sense that you care about something so much or want something to go so perfectly that it makes you feel anxious. It’s totally normal and we are all a little guilty of it. Personally, I can let my thoughts consume me. I can think about one small thing for every minute of every day until I figure out how to control that energy. It’s different for everyone but I am going to share some strategies that work for me and hopefully will help you.
Tips for Overcoming Anxiety
1. Accept that you cannot control everything. This is one of the more difficult things to do because it is you vs. your brain. Isn’t it crazy that it’s us against a part of our body that we control? Personally, I have a hard time breaking down that internal wall so having some sort of external reminder has been very helpful. Scarlett Jewellery has an incredible ‘worry bead’ collection that includes rings, bracelets, necklaces and bangles that serve as a reminder that whatever will be, will be. Designed to be fiddled with absentmindedly or in times of stress, the solid silver band and engraved bead invites the touch. The engraved bead says ‘Que Sera, Sera’ which means “whatever will be, will be.” Get 10% off your order by shopping the collection here.
The bead says ‘Que Sera, Sera’ which means “whatever will be, will be,” a great reminder to us.
2. Prevent yourself from only focusing on the negatives. When I catch myself doing this I force myself to think of at least one positive alternative to the negative thoughts. As much as I travel, I always get a little nervous every time I step on a plane. Every single plane ride, my first thoughts are always negative. What if the plane doesn’t fly properly? What if the weather gets bad up there? The what ifs creep in and if I don’t stop them, they consume me. I try to tell myself how lucky I am to be able to experience flying or how pretty the clouds are from above.
3. Focus your energy elsewhere. Something that helps me a lot is listening to music. Even if I have to go to my room, lay on my bed and put my headphones in for 10 minutes and just focus on the lyrics, it helps. Music helps me when I am flying, before a horse show or before a big event. Other ways to focus your energy include a hobby you are interested in, cooking, doing a puzzle, exercising or spending time with someone you love.
4. Communicate with others. We shut ourselves off when we are overcome by anxiety. That’s what happens to me. I don’t want to talk to anyone. Talking to others and releasing our emotions is so important for our health, our person and the people around us. You don’t have to talk to everyone, but talk to someone. Get the worry or fear out from inside of you.
5. Breathe. Breathing exercises have a variety of benefits for the body that not only make you healthier, but can reduce your stress and anxiety levels as well. It sounds simple right? Try being more conscious about your breathing. Take deeper, longer breaths and slow your body down. It makes a big difference.
Refocus is always my go-to. I find another focus, but a positive one. Even if I get up and bake something or go build LEGO’s with my son
Every single one of these tips are great! I am the worst at stressing and worrying about all things that I can’t get done or that doesn’t go exactly as planned. This was a great reminder on how I can better deal with all of this 🙂
I am with you!
As someone who also struggles with anxiety, these tips are so good! Sometimes we need to be reminded that not everything is controllable.
Yes so true! Thank you.
I love it.
I’ve struggled with anxiety my whole life and every day is a battle. I appreciate all of your helpful suggestions!
Talking out my worries with loved ones and close friends definitely helps me!
Love the idea of the worry bead with that quote. I worry sometimes, but usually related to certain scenarios. Otherwise, I’m pretty optimistic in my thinking.
This is some really great advice for sufferers. Anxiety is a real beast and causes a lot of pain!
These are great tips. I suffer from anxiety and will have to try a few.
Deep breathing and meditation has really helped me with my anxiety. I find that some quiet meditation helps me face a difficult day. Thank you for sharing your tips with us.
Love the meaning behind the bead. Good reminder to have with you
Breathing exercises are such a great way to help! I’m anxious often and really need to take my own advice more and do it! Love the ring!
Great tips, definitely helpful and logical. Even healthy. I have friends that will benefit most from this article. Thanks for sharing.
The bead ring is such a great idea, and it’s beautiful as well! I need to get better at letting go of control for sure.
These are great tips and many are what my therapist recommended! I find just taking deep breaths helps a ton or finding a distraction like listening to music or getting lost in a book.
Its hard, but I really try not to focus on the negative. I am hoping this attitude spreads to some of my inner circle.
These are all really great tips to help oversome worry and anxiety. I agree with trying to focus your energy on positive things and breathing. I really like the ring that you showcased as weel, thanks for sharing!
I’ve battled severe anxiety in the past. It was not a fun experience but thankfully with a little therapy and some mindset techniques I was able to overcome it.
I struggle with anxiety myself. These are such helpful tips and helpful to know you’re not alone. Thank you!
These are all great suggestions. I tend to prefer focusing my attention on things I can control which alleviates the anxiety a little.
Thank you for the tips. I also have anxiety and my response is always to shut people out. But I’ve been doing the breathing exercises lately and I think it is helping a lot.
These are such great tips! Anxiety is tough!