Confronting your fears
At bottom, there's often a fear of the unknown, and trying to define that fear can help you to overcome it. By facing whatever it is, you may find you know what to do about the situation. You can begin to think about how you might cope with it, what you can do, and who might help you, if necessary.
Talking it over
Discussing things with others can help to throw up a possible course of action or solution, which you wouldn't have been able to formulate on your own. For someone with a religious faith, talking to a minister could help you sort out an answer.
Talking to a psychotherapist or counsellor could help you arrive at a better understanding of your worries and their effects, and will support you in doing something about them.
Writing a list
Try writing a list of what's troubling you. People often become stirred up about events that are quite improbable and seeing it written down may make you realise this. You may find it difficult to appreciate just how unlikely something is when you are preoccupied with it.
Relaxation and visualisation
Relaxation exercises often focus on replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. This could involve imagining yourself in a pleasant setting, such as a beach, a nice room or a garden. You could visualise your worries as physical objects that can be discarded, such as stones or rocks you could heave into the distance.
Physical activity
Exercise is excellent because it can change the focus from your mind to your body. It relieves tension and uses up adrenalin. You don't have to go for a long run, or visit the gym. A good, steady walk can be just as effective, and is good for the heart as well as the head.
Improving your diet
It's a good idea to cut down on caffeine, which is found not only in tea and coffee, but also in colas and other canned drinks. They contain stimulants that can heighten the physical effects of tension, such as headaches and stomach problems.
Eating well and regularly may also have a very beneficial effect, because unstable blood sugar levels can lead to jittery feelings that contribute to your state of mind. Avoid alcohol or smoking, which both affect mood.
Complementary therapies
A growing number of people now treat themselves with alternative medicine, such as herbal remedies, Bach flower remedies, homeopathy and traditional Chinese medicines, some of which are available over the counter at high street chemists. Part of the reason for their popularity is that they allow people control over their own treatment. They are also seen as more natural and perhaps safer than orthodox medicine. However, these remedies can be powerful and are not necessarily free of side effects.
One of my favourite phrases is – “Worrying is like riding a rocking horse – it doesn't get you anywhere'." It might help to bear that in mind too!
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I do recommend it.
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