Worrying - any tips on how to calm yourself

Interesting thread. Im a worrier too and hate it.

I’m sorry Kateykrunch, I know how you feel. I have periods of what my doctor called “generalised anxiety”.

I stopped listening to the news and I have the radio on a talk programme low all night.
Keeping a diary/journal can help too. Write out your worries, close it and try and forget them.

Antonia Fraser used to memorise a poem each week, as did her mother and they met up to recite it to each other.

I’m a singer and memorise songs. When I have intrusive thoughts, I go through my songs in my mind to stop them.
Maybe memorising favourite poems or even hymns if that is your bent, might help?

Day trips and extended trips away help a lot too, make that an aim for when the weather is better🌺

Luckygirl3

Look up Insight Timer - I have this installed on my phone and you can access a vast array of relaxation exercises of all lengths and sorts - for free!

Good stuff Luckygirl13 thank you. 😊

Oh KateyKrunch, I feel for you. I think we all have days even weeks like this, for no apparent reason! Your not on your own in this believe me. 😊.
I do a few things to relax & chill when I'm wound up.
I walk, dance, I do some mending of clothes ect. I also come on Gransnet & faff about a bit! ( highly recommended.)
I also dance ( badly!). I make cakes that I've never baked before too. (often disastrous, sometimes a delight.
All these things help to ease & calm a busy, annoying brain & strung-out body.
Good luck, be happy, be grateful for small tiny blessings & I send my best wishes to you. 🤗

This is really hard, isn’t it and I’m sure many here will empathise.
There’s little to be done during the night apart from the usual relaxation techniques - I find turning onto my front and breathing deeply can alleviate that unpleasant physical panicky feeling.
And as for the daytime, it’s the old ‘keeping busy’ thing…. I am definitely at my happiest when I am planning things to look forward to (preferably holidays!) or doing voluntary work that can make a real difference to people. Feeling useful rather than just busy can be a way forward.
Failing all that, I wouldn’t hesitate to get professional help.
I hope you feel better soon.

It helps if I tell myself that my worrying is not going to solve anything.
Think about it carefully, is your worrying doing anything at all, apart from making you upset and maybe feeling ill.
Next distract yourself, I always have music on the radio from as soon as as I get up, make something nice to eat, I made pancakes the other evening as I fancied something sweet, they were delicious.
Dance, sing, watch a comedian on YouTube, I like Peter Kay and a good laugh is so good for you.
Be cheerful, smile….

Look up Insight Timer - I have this installed on my phone and you can access a vast array of relaxation exercises of all lengths and sorts - for free!

I’ve never found that telling myself, or anyone else, to calm down has done a bit of good. One practical way I’ve helped myself is to listen to a good audiobook while getting on with the chores. While I’m listening I’m not ruminating on my worries and gradually my brain settles.