Stress is unavoidable, but there are ways to lessen the burden. Here, some proven methods from Dr. Martin Rossman, author of the new book The Worry Solution.
5 Ways to Stop Stressing and Become Happier and More Confident
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Psychologists have shown that simply jotting down all your worries (big or small) can help you separate those that are fixable from those that aren't. Rossman recommends setting a timer for 10 min. and listing everything that worries you. Then sort the stressors into three categories: ones you can possibly change (if you are worried about that odd sound that has knocked around in your car for weeks, make an appointment today to have it looked at); ones you aren't sure about (will that company actually hire me?); and ones you can't change (terrorists could blow up the building where you work). At this point, Rossman gets a little vague for my taste — he says to find your "inner wisdom" to fix worries you can possibly change. But writing exercises alone are a proven technique in evidence-based psychotherapies. Next: Track Outcomes of Worries You Can't Do Anything About SPECIAL REPORT: See Healthland's Full Guide to Life in 2011
