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Hi, my name is Lindsay and I’m a recovering worry-oholic.
I used to make worrying my full time job. I would wake up counting everything I had to do, trying to mix schedules with lunches and still try to catch some shuteye.
Sure being a busy bee kept me on my toes and always gave me a list of things to loose sleep over, but it wasn’t fulfilling.
At the end of the day, I went to bed with my worries and it was lonely.
After
spending the summer away from North Carolina and from my family and
friends, I gained a new sense of self, a beautiful, refreshing
independence, and more than anything, a less-worried spirit.
Worry is
an incredibly easy pit to fall into, and with everything that would be,
could be and should be going wrong –most can find themselves fearful of
what lies ahead.
The
start of a new semester equals the beginning of a new string of worries
with different classes, activities and lessons to learn.
But, the
most important messages translated in life, the ones that shake you to
your core and make you question where you come from and where you’re
going, you never worry about -because you never expect them.
While
living in Manhattan this summer, my most memorable, exciting and
life-changing experiences were ones I never planned or anticipated.
Had I
known they would happen, I probably would have worried about them until
the cows came home and ruined the experience I was meant to have.
Regardless
if you’re starting college for the first time and anticipating new
freedoms and responsibilities, or finishing up the last shebang before
graduation–don’t waste your time or energy worry over petty little
details.
Worrying over long extended time periods can lead to legit mental illnesses like anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder.
It also slows down the learning process, can cause your brain to not retain information and result in endless sleepless nights.
Plus, it
can also ruin pencil ends, your manicure, cause wrinkles on your
forehead, and annoy your friends to the point of screening your phone
calls. And even worse, ignoring your Facebook messages.
To help reduce the amount of worrying you do and the effect it has on your life, try these psychological tricks and tips.
Write it
out. I realize not everyone is a born writer, or enjoys journaling in a
classic composition book, but venting your feelings, where it be on
paper or via a music avenue, keeping it in is less healthy than letting
it flood out.
Delete
“What if” from your vocabulary. Instead of thinking of the worst
possible outcome that could come out of every situation, try thinking
of the best case scenario. This will lead to happier thoughts and
invite positive energy into your life.
Plan
downtime. Between ridiculous class requirements, co-curricular demands
and a social life, it seems near impossible to enjoy a moment of peace.
When you plan your typical week, schedule at least an hour to just
spend time with yourself, relax and collect your thoughts.
Have
unplanned fun. If you want to go out on a Thursday night and typically
don’t, or want another scoop of outrageously fattening ice cream, do
it. You’re only young once, so don’t waste your youth constantly
fearing the future.
Learn to
say “No.” While you might be really great at running four clubs,
maintaining a 4.0 and learning five languages, most worry comes from
being overbooked. It’s okay to turn down a leadership position and
still have a kick butt resume.
While I
will admit I will always worry about something, I’ve learned not to
worry about everything and it’s made every aspect of my life so much
easier.
Stop sweating and start living.
Lindsay Tigar, a junior journalism and public relations major from Asheville, is the Associate Editor for Editorial Content.
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