MINDFULNESS: THE KEY TO MANAGING WORRY, FEAR AND ANXIETY

Fear and worry are natural reactions to events that are beyond your control, i.e.
News of crime, disaster, war, death.

Fear can be intensified by the fears and worries of others — contagious.

Worry is often associated with future events: “What if?

Other emotions such as anger, guilt, sadness are often linked to past events or losses.

The following are tips to manage these emotions:

• “Mindfulness” includes the technique of keeping your attention in the present moment.
  Mindfulness comes from an Eastern philosophy: Acceptance of “what is.”
   

• “Acceptance” creates choice: Respond vs. react.
   

• Focus on what is happening right now.
   

• Tune into your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations – become an “observer” of yourself.
   

• Focus on breathing as a way to direct your attention away from worry.