How you feel is affected by the
company you keep, whether you’re aware of it or not. Studies show that emotions
are contagious. We quickly “catch” moods from other people even from strangers
who never speak a word (e.g. the terrified woman sitting by you on the plane;
the fuming man in the checkout line). The people you spend a lot of time with
have an even greater impact on your mental state.
§ Keep a worry diary. You may not be aware of how people or situations are affecting
you. Maybe this is the way it’s always been in your family, or you’ve been
dealing with the stress so long that it feels normal. You may want to keep a
worry diary for a week or so. Every time you start to worry, jot down the
thought and what triggered it. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns.
§ Spend less time with people who make you anxious. Is there someone in your life who drags you down or always seems
to leave you feeling stressed? Think about cutting back on the time you spend
with that person or establish healthier relationship boundaries. For example,
you might set certain topics off-limits, if you know that talking about them
with that person makes you anxious.
§ Choose your confidantes carefully. Know who to talk to about situations that make you anxious. Some
people will help you gain perspective, while others will feed into your
worries, doubts, and fears.
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