15 Ways for Women to Break Free From Worry

If you find yourself worrying often, you know how difficult it can be to drive out negative thinking and relieve the feeling of anxiety.

While worrying is a healthy response in some scenarios, many women find themselves worrying excessively in their daily lives.

If you want to break free from worry, here 15 simple ways that will show you how you can begin worrying less as a woman.

 1. Ask yourself, "will worrying make a difference?"

From the moment you wake up in the morning, you only have a finite amount of time to think productively. Realize that, in most cases, worrying won't affect the outcome of the situation that is troubling you.

Remind yourself that worrying is rarely a good use of your time, and determine how you can free up more mental space for better thoughts.

2. Redirect your thoughts to a happy place

It can be natural to worry, and it is a good idea to practice turning pessimism into optimism.

For example, instead of saying "I don't think I'll get the job I applied for," tell yourself, "My skills are a great fit for this position, and I hope the hiring manger sees the value I could bring."

3. Find a productive distraction

Worry can take over your daily thoughts, which is why it is important to replace the negativity with a positive distraction.

When you find yourself worrying, distract yourself with your favorite activity, work, family time, or anything else you enjoy.

4. Talk to a friend or family member

Your friends and family can serve as your greatest support system. Ask for a loved one to listen to your concerns, and provide meaningful advice on the situation that is bothering you.

A conversation about your worries may help you feel like you've lifted a weight off your chest.

5. Discuss your worries with a counselor

In some cases, excessive worrying can indicate an unhealthy state of mind, or a medical condition like an anxiety disorder.

If you're concerned that you spend too much time worrying, book and appointment with a licensed counselor to get a better assessment of why you worry, and learn healthy coping strategies.

6. Find your worry-free mantra

A mantra is a short, powerful phrase that speaks to your goals and supports a positive attitude. Research mental health mantras and repeat them often.

Worry-free mantras include, "let it go," "take a deep breath," and "this is only temporary."

7. Escape your worries through music

Both the lyrics and the rhythms of your favorite music can help calm your mind and ease your worries.

Take time to truly focus on the music, whether you wear earbuds on a walk or set your playlist while in the bath, so you can use it as a form of relaxation therapy.

8. Schedule time to worry

While this may sound counterproductive, it can be beneficial to schedule time to worry. Block off 15 minutes on your schedule to reflect on your worries, produce rational thoughts and end this time with a healthy conclusion.

Once your time is up, tell yourself you have no more time left to worry and find something new to think about.

9. Start journaling about your worries

Putting pen to paper is a great way to organize your thoughts and make sense of the things in life that are bothering you.

Start by writing a list of what is worrying you, and see where your creativity takes you. How you write in your journal is entirely up to you. You can write notes, stories, thoughts or even draw pictures.

10. Take actions to ease your concerns

If you find yourself constantly worrying, consider ways you can take action to reduce your worries.

For example, if you're worried about passing a rigorous exam, start a study group or re-read your materials so you feel more prepared.

11. Avoid unnecessary research

Search engines and social media are readily available at your fingertips, which can make it easy to start researching your problems and spiral down a rabbit hole.

While light research may be helpful in some cases, you may increase your worrying by finding extreme situations in your research or accessing information that isn't reliable.

12. Exercise when you feel worried

Studies suggest exercise is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and distract yourself from negative thinking.

When you feel worried, try taking a jog, practicing a sport or visiting the gym to boost your mental wellness.

13. Experiment with herbal remedies

There are many herbal remedies that are known to help support a healthy mind.

You may find that sipping on a warm mug of chamomile tea or experimenting with essential oils, like lavender and lemon balm, can relax your anxious thoughts.

14. Read a fictional book

A good book can help you escape the negative thoughts in your own mind and temporarily take your perspective to a new world.

Reading is a healthy way to support positive mental health while serving as an entertaining distraction for your worries.

15. Remember practice makes perfect

Training your mind to worry less is not as easy as a flip of a switch. It involves a great deal of practice, mindfulness and redirection of thought.

Practice worry-free tactics often to help achieve a more optimistic attitude long-term.

The path to a worry-free life begins today with these 15 simple steps. Share your thoughts in the comments below!