Now, more than ever, we are worrying ourselves sick! Constant worrying eventually leads to anxiety and directly impacts your mental and physical health.

Compulsive worry stops us from working effectively. It has physical effects such as rapid pulse, trembling, dry mouth, chest pains, digestive problems, headaches, insomnia, and more. Compulsive worrying also causes emotional and behavioral problems such as feeling helpless, lack of self-confidence and self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, and panic attacks. Fortunately, there are strategies to break the stressful habit of worrying.

Listed below are five tips to stop worrying.

• Positive affirmations. The longer you worry, the more it will affect your health. Train yourself to repeat an affirmation, like “All is well,” “Everything is as it should be,” or “Let it go.” Surrender yourself and build your confidence.
• Face your worry. Write down the worst-case scenario and then write down the best-case scenario. Create a plan and take action. Don’t be the victim, be the hero.
• Stress reduction practices. Practice breathing exercises, meditate, exercise, and engage in aromatherapy to reduce stress. You can also play, laugh, or get a pet for lowering stress. Don’t forget to eat breakfast, too; the food will keep you energized and lower your stress.
• Get a buddy system. Talk with a friend or coworker and agree to unload your worries when they last after 24 hours. Do it by email or a quick phone call. It is amazing how quickly you can defuse worry when you share it.
• Seek professional help. If your worrying is affecting your family, marriage, health, or work, get professional help. There are great effective treatments.