College can be stressful and nerve-wracking. With so much going on around you, you may sometimes feel like you have everything to do and no time to do it. It’s normal to be overwhelmed and worried about everything you have to do, but habitual worrying over the little things can be scary. Here are 10 signs that you’re a worrier, and some tips to ease your worrying— even if by just a little.
1. You don’t get enough sleep
Not only do you stay up late making sure that you get everything done right, but you also sometimes can’t sleep because your mind won’t stop running. You know you should go to sleep earlier, but there’s just so much you have to do! Plus, sometimes going to bed doesn’t even mean getting to sleep.
2. You mentally replay everything
Was there something I could have said differently? Did that sound weird? I should not have said that. After every encounter – whether it’s a conversation, or an interview— you can’t help but replay it in your head. You keep wondering what the other person thought of you, and keep trying to figure out if there’s anything you could have said or done differently to make that encounter go smoother.
3. You overthink everything
Compliments should be simple, but you can’t help but wonder if that was a backhanded compliment. Was there something else they were trying to say? When someone laughs, you think they’re laughing at you. You have a tendency to overthink even the simplest of things.
4. You dread change
You’ve already gotten so used to the way things are that imagining change is anxiety-provoking. Having to develop an entirely new routine, and get used to a different style of living is fearsome. Change is a scary thought, and you do everything you can to prevent it.
5. You procrastinate
You try not to think about things that make you feel anxious. And sometimes, the best method of not thinking about these things is avoidance. So, you avoid these things and put them off in an active attempt to forget about them.
6. You plan ahead
Yes, it’s possible to plan ahead and be a procrastinator. Although you procrastinate and put off tasks that stress you out and make you feel anxious, you keep making back-up plans. What if your group members don’t show up on the day of the presentation? What if the PowerPoint presentation doesn’t save on the USB flash drive? You keep making sure that you have alternative methods and back-up plans.
7. You have to double check everything
Did I remember to pack a lunch? I think I forgot my keys. I forgot to lock the door. Even if you remember doing something, the thoughts of doubt keep haunting you, and forcing you to get up to double, triple check.
8. You are indecisive
It’s so hard for you to make decisions, because you keep weighing both sides of the equation. The pros, the cons, the effects – they all jumble into a confusing mess that makes your decision that much harder. People complain that you take ages to make the simplest decision, but even simple questions have a lot of factors to take into consideration!
9. You keep thinking something bad will happen
You’ve learned to expect the worst. Even if you have Plan B through Plan Z, you keep feeling something terrible will happen. People may call you a pessimist, but it’s just the way your experiences have led you.
10. You have irregular eating routines
Your eating habits depend on your mood, and this can make your eating schedule very irregular. When you are feeling anxious or nervous, you may eat more than usual, or perhaps lose your appetite. This makes for very irregular and abnormal eating routines.
Tips:
Worrying can be very scary and consuming. The feelings of worry and anxiety can be overwhelming, but there are some ways to help you relieve some of your worrying- even if by just a little.
1. Talk to your friends and family
Get your worries off your chest by talking to people you trust. Not only can your friends and family provide you with advice, they can also be just good listeners. Even if you don’t use any of the advice they give you, it can still be so therapeutic to get your worries out in the open.
2. Exercise
Getting some exercise is a good idea because it provides an activity to distract you and get your mind off of those worries. Plus, exercise can make you happier and lower your anxiety!
3. Write down your worries
Seeing all your worries down on paper can be very relieving. Just seeing all your problems on one page can make everything seem a little more manageable.
4. Calming activities
Worry and anxiety can be very consuming and overwhelming. So, try taking part in some calming activities. Take deep breaths when you start to feel overwhelmed. Try meditating and clearing your mind. Try and start doinging yoga, which will not only be good exercise, but very soothing.
5. See a doctor
If your worrying and anxiety really comes to a point that is concerning and potentially damaging to your health, it may be a good idea to see a doctor. Doctors, who have tons of professional experience, will definitely be able to help you.
Being constantly worried can be very tiring and can spur on even more stress. So, try to find your support system, and find something or someone else to lean on during your times of anxiety.
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