So take the time to write down any of the sources of your current anxiety, and know that some of these do overlap. Once you have finished your list, go back through it to consider what it is that exacerbates any of these. For example:

• Let’s just say that you have family members that makes you nuts because all they can do is talk about how terrible everything is. They’re negative all the time. They bring up all kinds of things that have never even entered your mind, and now they are entering your mind because of what they’re saying. So, you might identify that what exacerbates this occurrence is when you spend time around this family member. One solution is to then consider limiting the amount of time you spend with him/her.
• Maybe you have a neighbor who somehow sees (and tells you about their perception) that there is a conspiracy going on among all the governments in the world, and pretty much that conspiracy is to take them out. You know, I’m sure, those people who think the whole world is against them. Solution that you might determine: “Alright, I believe I’d limit the amount of time I spent with that particular neighbor.”
• Maybe your religion is causing you to be more and more anxious because it’s somehow making you feel frightened – or maybe every message you hear from your organized religion (or unorganized religion) is negative. Or every message you hear is that you should be feeling guilty about something. Well, I think I’d find a different religion or I’d find a different place where I could go.
• Let’s say that your health is an area of concern because you’ve had a checkup lately and there are some problems, and so you’re anxious about that. What exacerbates it? I’m sure your doctor told you, “Do more of this and less of that,” so you have some control over this.

Go back and look through everything you wrote down and figure out what it is that exacerbates that source of your anxiety. If they are under your control – or at least a portion of your control, then take some action. You’re an adult, right…

And if you are well aware that you – or those around you – are freaked-out to one degree or another and you can see that it is taking a toll, then I hope you will join us in the Staying Positive Society.  Here’s where to get all the info: 

http://www.StayingPositiveinaFreakedOutWorld.com.  I look forward to having you there!

(c) 2009 Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D. | The Ph.D. of Productivity(tm)

Through her company, Emphasis on Excellence, Inc. (http://www.meggin.com), Meggin serves those individuals who want to know, feel, dream, and do…more…and who want to do so with consciousness, clarity, and conviction. If you think this sounds interesting, it is!!