Cant-miss tips for relieving anxiety

All of us experience some anxiety every so often. Maybe we're prepping for a big presentation, awaiting test results, or about to bungee jump for the first time.

While a little anxiety is normal, it can quickly spiral out of control unless we're careful.

Thinking incessantly about what may happen or go wrong -- otherwise known as overthinking -- can lead one to create problems in their mind that don't exist.

We almost convince ourselves that we're going to bomb the presentation, that the test results won't be favorable, or that we'll seriously injure ourselves upon jumping.

In essence, we allow fear and pessimism to paralyze us with their ironclad grip.

But here's the thing: Anxiety doesn't come from merely thinking about the future. It's caused by trying to control the future.

We really have no idea what the future holds, so it makes little sense to fabricate images in our heads of what it will look like.

Who's to say things won't turn out well for us?

What if we deliver a masterful presentation before a captive audience, find out the results are negative, or walk away following the bungee jump feeling more alive than ever before?

Not only does being positive help calm those nerves, but shifting your thoughts from the future back over to the present goes a long way.

True happiness lies in making the most of the here and now. You can't savor the present if your mind is stuck on future events whose outcomes won't be determined for a while.

Let go. The future may bring with it problems, but what's the point of fussing over that now? Why not wait until those problems come to the fore to address -- and solve -- them?

Become a bit more comfortable with uncertainty. It won't always be for the worst, as our pessimistic brains may lead us to believe.

Rather than worry about what may go wrong, why not consider what may go right? The best approach is to be so occupied in the present -- with projects, hobbies, and whatever else drives you -- that you have no time to worry over situations that may never actually become a reality.

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