How do you not take life so seriously?

[Jacketpotato65]

I worry constantly and it can't be good for my health. I worry that I'll offend people, worry about doing something wrong at work and getting into trouble, worried I'll end up struggling with money, that my loved ones will become ill and die, I worry that I don't have many friends, worry about getting married, buying a home, worry about ageing, my weight etc.
It's just exhausting. I try and tell myself that in less than 100 years from now we'll all be dead anyway so what does it all matter?
How do people just feel more relaxed and not fret constantly?

Sounds like you need to discuss this with your GP

How old are you? I worry much less with age. Happier in my own skin, have enough friends, have confidence in dealing with most things (have had to deal with a lot). So a lot of experience and a bit of ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ I guess.

I am a terrible worrier or at least I used to be. I've somehow developed a more 'fuck it' attitude lately, but not sure whether I've cultivated this or whether I've kind of reached the middle of my life and thought - what's the point of worrying all the time?
I think focussing on other things is good, practical day to day stuff, having little things to look forward to, doing things that make you feel good, get out in nature and try and appreciate what is around you (cliched though it sounds).

I'm 31... Maybe it is something that can be looked at, I thought it was just part of my personality tbh.
I've already been through a few things and Indeed I've survived them, maybe I do need to take that mentality on

Don't think of all your worries at the same time. Think about whether there is anything you can do about a single one of them.
Try and fill your mind with other things to break the worrying cycle.
It sounds as if you might benefit from some counselling if it's affecting your life too much.

I take it day to day, focus on practical things. Try and stay relatively occupied with enjoyable activities!

I was like this at 31 but add a few more years on and I have got better. Still worry but it doesn’t affect me anywhere near as much. I think it is pretty normal for some people. I definitely dwell on most stuff less as I’ve got older.

Are they actual “worries” or just thoughts which you describe as worries?

Can you divide thoughts into “Hopes” and “Fears”? Perhaps write them down?

I just refuse to dwell on anything. I tend to feel safe and snug in my own home and appreciate my parents, my child and friends. a cup of tea and a biscuit, a glass of wine, a good laugh. I don't want for much. I work hard and I'm not at all materialistic. I believe in solutions and I am positive that the world will find a way to improve. we're all in the same boat - that always keeps me level.

Prozac

Sertraline and cbt

CBD oil

I think focusing on the little things, trying to be 'in the moment' and reminding yourself that what's in the past has gone, and what's in the future, hasn't actually happened, is the best way to prevent anxiety taking over.

I know that all sounds a bit cliched but I honestly think it's true. I fine just getting outside, in nature, having a walk and observing all the little things- a robin sitting in a hedge, a flower poking it's way up - it really helps to let go of the 'what ifs' and just feel present in the moment

There are probably more evidence based strategies around but sometimes I get through the day just saying a combination of 'Fuck it, fuck you, fuck off, fuck it, fuck them, don't give a fuck, fuckfuck' in my head and sometimes out loud.

If you do it long enough you'll actually believe it.

Focus on things that make you feel better, try to do things that make you happy.
Ignore all the constant terrifying news - literally stop watching it or engaging in conversations. After a while you can re-engage but it gets easier to not get bogged down by it all when you know you can take a step back.

Sounds wanky, but be aware of things that you’re grateful for, write them down, it really helps to shift you into a more positive mindset.

I’ve made a real effort this year to stop being a miserable worrier, and the above has really helped. Meditation has helped too, and has taught me how to switch off the constant noise in my head.

I take citalopram, I avoid the news and I write any worries or niggles down. Then, I focus on hobbies and on things I enjoy or find funny. I actively seek out silliness and act daft. It helps that dh is very similar.

As someone else has said, Prozac.

Agree with the above - I find getting outside, nice distractions and Sertraline have all helped at times. I'm off Sertraline at the moment.

When my husband died I gave myself a rest from watching the news, and tbh I've never gone back to it. I listen to Radio 3 at breakfast which is like a mental spa break, and just about cope with the radio headlines every now and then. It's helped a lot.

Looking at your list..

Worry about struggling for money...theb I would have a plan to save say 6 months salary to act as a comfort blanket. So I dont have to worry.

Worry about love one dying... me...I accept its part and parcel of life, it'll happen and could happen anytime thats just life. It sucks but nothing u can control so if you cant control it why waste time and energy worrying about it.

With weight...just have a habit of exercising so you don't put on weight then you can stop worrying about it

Ageing..well again its part of life judt accept it and dont waste time worrying about it

Thats what I would do

Thanks everyone.. I'll look into setraline

I never worry, ever, it's not in my nature. If there is a problem I think about it, take advice from my mum and friends, action it, deal with it. I never worry. Perhaps speak to your Gp. Arrange some counselling.