Worry

Am I Worrying for Nothing?

Am I Worrying for Nothing?

We know from research that in times of uncertainty, we tend to think the worst. Even when a situation or message could be interpreted as positive, we often interpret it as negative, especially when we lack information. While it is unlikely that we can avoid worry in our lives, we can learn to manage it and improve the quality of our lives. The following a six-step process than can help you gain control over your thoughts…

Are Worry and Fear the Same Thing?

Are Worry and Fear the Same Thing?

Psychologists describe worrying as a chain of negative thoughts and images which is largely uncontrollable. Fear, on the other hand, is an adaptive mechanism essential to survival that rallies many biological processes to help us prepare for a potentially threatening situation (Ornell et al., 2020). Here’s more…

How Do Worry and Stress Affect the Body?

How Do Worry and Stress Affect the Body?

While it's normal to feel stressed out and worried during a crisis, daily challenges can also push us beyond our ability to cope. During stressful times, we may feel helpless, sad, angry, irritable, hopeless, anxious, or afraid. We may even have trouble concentrating, feel unmotivated to do essential tasks, experience changes in appetite, have body aches or pains, and have difficulty sleeping. Here is what worry does to our brain…

Does a Busy Mind Keep You Awake at Night?

Does a Busy Mind Keep You Awake at Night?

Do you toss and turn at night? Do you churn things in your mind, robbing you of much-needed sleep? If so, you aren't alone. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adults need seven or more hours of sleep per night to reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes. Many fall short of this guideline. So, what can you do to improve your sleep?

Planning or Worrying: What's the Difference?

Planning or Worrying: What's the Difference?

Many of us are finding that worrying about the future is taking over our lives. And for good reason, we have a lot to worry about these days. However, not all worry is negative and damaging. Psychologists who study the concept of worry think about it in two categories: maladaptive and adaptive. Let’s learn about the difference between the two…