Workplace Worries

We work longer hours than ever before, so it’s no wonder anxiety on the job can be consuming. We fret about how we appear to our bosses and colleagues, and we’re concerned about growing responsibilities and shrinking job security.

The solution: Turn your fears into action. Suppose you always get nervous about speaking in front of the boss at meetings. Instead of allowing paranoia to hijack your attention and possibly wreck your presentation, get prepped beforehand, recommends Larina Kase, author of Anxious 9 to 5: How to Beat Worry, Stop Second-Guessing Yourself & Work With Confidence. Practice in front of a mirror what you want to say, or ask a loved one to be your audience. You’ll feel much more sure of yourself at the meeting — and your co-workers will probably enjoy the reprieve from your constant moaning!

Rocky Relationships

When you’re fretting over what-ifs (What if he has an affair? What if he no longer finds me attractive? What if he gets sick?), you aren’t living in the present, which can ruin any relationship.

The solution:Shut down the negative thoughts. “There is such a thing as a self-fulfilling prophecy,” says Karen Sherman, Ph.D., co-author of Marriage Magic! Find It, Keep It, Make It Last. “For example, if you’re constantly worrying that your husband is going to leave you, and as a result you begin to act clingy and start checking up on him all the time, eventually he might leave — because of your new behavior, not because it was his intent.”

To break yourself out of the dangerous worry cycle, Sherman suggests switching your attention to a relaxing image (a beautiful beach, a warm cup of tea, a vase of flowers) whenever you find yourself fixating. These positive images will overcome the negative feelings. “The bad thoughts will creep back,” says Sherman, “but if you keep practicing this technique, eventually you’ll be able to stop them in their tracks.”

Next page: Stressed about money? Obligations? Getting older?