Here are some tips for people who worry a lot. Maybe, you know someone who needs a little bit of support? Or maybe you are worrying about something at the moment? Hope they help

1. Listen to people who are qualified and who know what they are talking about. Avoid google and unqualified ‘experts’.

2. Remember that you can worry as much as you want to. Staying in your own company for too long makes this easier to do. Push yourself out socially even if you don’t feel like connecting with people.

3. Distraction is a strategy proven to alleviate physical pain. It can also alleviate mental anguish. Dig up an old hobby. Start something new. Enrol for a course.

4. Keep company with optimistic people. Listen for longer to their theories. They often have something refreshing to say. You could do with an alternative viewpoint at the moment!

5. Breathing exercises train your body to relax. Sometimes you have to remind your brain to induce the calming hormones. With practice you can get good at doing this. Check out the Headspace or Calm Apps or explore mindfulness courses online

6. If you have faith – lean on it. It is harder to feel terrified when you believe that you’re being looked after. Remember you can have faith without subscribing to a particular religion.

7. If you haven’t faith you can tap into your spirituality (those with faith can also do this). Connect better with the world around you. Go for a nature walk.

8. Remember all situations can improve. Often we look back wondering why we worried ourselves so much at the time.

9. Surround yourself with the people who love you most. Open up to them and let them help and reassure you.

10. Hang around with good humoured people. Laughter is contagious and you could do with catching it.

(C) Shane Martin
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