Offices in Garden City, Roslyn Heights, and Rockville Centre
(516) 732-0273
Offices in Garden City, Roslyn Heights, and Rockville Centre
info@lipsychologist.com

How to Ward Off Worry

by Oct 28, 2019Anxiety and Stress

So often, we find ourselves worrying. We worry about money. We worry about our kids. We worry about our job. Some of these worries help us stay safe or motivate us to make a change. But other worries are far outside of our control.

Worries about other people, for example, especially if we are not directly involved in their decisions, are often not in our control. Same with worries about how certain events will play out in the future, or our long term plans and expectations.

Ward Off Worry With Simple Questions

If you find that you’re often struggling with worry, focused too much on things you cannot control, the next step is to bring yourself back into the moment. One way to do this is by asking a simple question:

“Is there something I can realistically do about this, and if so, what?”

If there is something you can realistically do that has an impact on the outcome, then you can let this question motivate you to take action. It’s a great way to make sure you’re actively involved in reducing your anxiety and addressing issues that can be addressed.

But if the answer is no, and there is nothing you can really do about it, then at least you’ve had an opportunity to ponder that for a moment and help realize that the situation is out of your control. That question and answer gives you a chance to learn acceptance, and then use mindfulness strategies (that we can go over in therapy) to continue to reduce the anxiety you’re feeling.

Taking Steps to Reduce Anxiety

Over time, you’ll start to let go of this sense of responsibility that there is something can or should be doing. You’ll also learn to let go of the sense of worry that the worst will happen, because you’ll no longer be heavily focused on preventing a scary unknown.

It can be challenging to teach yourself these tricks and strategies. It’s one of the reasons that many people seek out therapists on Long Island that teach mindfulness and anxiety reduction. But if you can learn how to remind yourself what is and what is not in your control, you’ll reduce some of those worries that are a distraction from the present.

Contact Long Island Psychology Today

If you have any questions about individual, group, or couples therapy (marriage counseling) or about working with a psychologist/therapist please do not hesitate to call.

We have offices in Garden City, Rockville Centre, and Roslyn Heights, NY. We also have remote therapy options available. If you need help on Long Island on or near Nassau County, contact Long Island Psychology, today. 

Contact:

(516) 732-0273
info@lipsychologist.com

Download All Our Free Ebooks

Please complete the form below to subscribe and download all of our available ebooks.

Thank you! Please check your inbox to confirm.

Download Your Free Ebook

Download Your Free Ebook

Please complete the form below to subscribe and download your free ebook, Understanding Anxiety.

Thank you! Please check your inbox to confirm.

Download Your Free Ebook

Download Your Free Ebook

Please complete the form below to subscribe and download your free ebook, Understanding Relationships.

Thank you! Please check your inbox to confirm.

Download Your Free Ebook

Please complete the form below to subscribe and download your free ebook, Understanding Resilience.

Thank you! Please check your inbox to confirm.

Download Your Free Ebook

Please complete the form below to subscribe and download your free ebook, Understanding Depression.

Thank you! Please check your inbox to confirm.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This