It is easy to get into a cycle of worrying about anything and everything. From small things like “I need to do the dishes” to large ones like “What am I doing with my life?” Worrying can creep into your brain and stay long past its welcome. It can be easy to get caught up stressing about the past, present, and future. But to quit worrying about everything, little and big, is no easy feat. And it takes a lot of work to be free from worry.

Worrying is a normal and even a healthy part of life. But if normal anxiety becomes excessive, it can negatively affect your health and personal life. According to WebMD.com, worrying can affect your sleep and appetite. Constantly worrying can also take a toll on your relationships and job performance.

Life often feels heavy, and sometimes it feels like there isn’t enough time in the day to accomplish everything that needs to be done. It is easy to worry about the future, stress over the present, or regret the past. Now is the time to take a step back and figure out why you worry and how to let some of it fall to the wayside. 

So, how do we stop worrying about everything?

Figure out what you are anxious about.

Are small things bothering you, or is existential dread setting in? Recognize what you are worried about and why. Then, try to find the root of the matter and then write it down.

Feel your emotions, then release them.

It is OK to worry and to feel anxious. Feel your feelings, and then release them. Release them by recognizing why you are stressed and then do something that is comforting to you.

Find ways to break the cycle.

This is the most challenging part, and it can be a journey for the rest of your life. But it is worth it so that you can enjoy the rest of your life! It can be as simple as creating a relaxing morning routine to start the day off right. Or consider going to therapy to talk through all of this with a trained professional. Create an exercise or a meditation routine. The list can go on and on of ways to ease worrying.

Worrying about everything can be detrimental to your physical and mental health and personal and professional life. It is no way to live to be stressed out and anxious all of the time. Recognizing that there is a time and a place to worry and then taking steps to get that stress out of your life will be the best thing you’ve ever done!