5 approaches to a worry-free lifestyle

When worry starts to affect our lives negatively or turns into anxiety, it's time to change. Thankfully, there are many ways to live a worry-free lifestyle.

• Healthy worriers question the validity of their worries and ask themselves whether the threats are real or perceived.
• When you begin to worry, try to get more information about what's so scary. Put fear into perspective by thinking about your life overall and ask yourself if it deserves the attention your brain is giving it.

• Sometimes if you have too much free or idle time your thoughts can become out of control because your mind has extra time to wander.
• Get busy with a hobby, spend time with a friend, or work on chores that need to be done.
• Taking your mind off the problem can be a great way to decrease worrying.

• Organizing your thoughts and prioritizing concerns can be an excellent way to put an end to unnecessary concern.
• List what you can do about the different situations, then think about how you can work to fix or change what is on your list. You may realize that some items on your list don't really need fixing.

• Breathe! If you slow the pace of your breathing and relax your muscles, your thinking will follow, too.
• You can also try taking 15 minutes to read something inspiring, then clear your mind with some slow, in and out breathing.
• Feeling unable to do this on your own? Try a guided yoga or meditation class.

• It's amazing how often we can "catch" the emotions of others. Look around and see how much you may be taking on the worries or complaints of others. Try limiting the time you spend with high-anxiety people, and see if it helps you stay more relaxed.