You shouldn't be so worried about the future that it stresses you out until you cry. If you want to live a fulfilled life, you shouldn't focus too strongly on tomorrow. Instead, you should be trying to enjoy the present. You can't keep putting off your happiness. You don't have to wait until you're married with a full-time job to be pleased with your life, because you can be just as pleased now. If you're having trouble focusing on the present, learning how to be reassuring to yourself is crucial. It is important to know what to say to someone who is worried about the future, especially when that someone is you. Here are a few reassuring things to say when you are feeling overwhelmed:
Here are a few quick tips for grounding yourself before we begin:
- Take three deep breaths.
- Focus on one thing you can control right now.
- Remind yourself that this feeling is temporary.
1 You're No Psychic
When was the last time you accurately predicted something that was going to happen to you? Most of the time, little details are off, or you're completely and utterly wrong. You shouldn't be too worried about the future, because whatever horrible thing you think might happen probably won't. You can't tell the future, and the American Psychological Association notes that anxiety often creates false predictions. Reassuring yourself with facts rather than fears is the best approach.
2 You've Been through Worse
So what if the future brings you pain? You've been through hard times before, and you're strong enough to go through them again. Don't let a little bit of pain stop you from living life. It happens, and you can't stop it. If you need a reminder of your resilience, just think about the point below regarding how much you are actively preparing for life.
3 You're Actually Thinking
At least you're thinking about your future. That means you're at least a little bit prepared for it. Some people don't think about what they're going to do in a few hours, let alone a few years. Even if you're not sure exactly what you want to do with your life, it's good that it's on your mind. Reassuring you about your own capability is easy when you see that your forethought is actually a strength.
4 You'll do Great Things
Stop worrying about the bad things that will happen in the future and start looking forward to the good things. Why focus on the negative? There are tons of awesome experiences that you'll have, and amazing people that you'll meet. That's something to get excited about. According to research from the Greater Good Science Center, practicing optimism can physically rewire your brain to expect better outcomes.
5 Your Mind Can Change
Right now, you might imagine a future with a husband and kids, but in the future, you might decide that you'd rather travel the world while single. You never know when you'll change your mind on the big things in life, so don't stress too much over what your future might look like. It's impossible to imagine it accurately, because you won't be the same exact person tomorrow as you are today. If you want more inspiration on embracing change, check out our guide on ways to embrace life changes.
6 You're like Everybody else
Everyone is just as concerned about their future as you are. Even the people who look like they have everything put together are struggling in certain aspects of their day to day lives. Don't be fooled into thinking that the grass is greener on the other side, because everyone is worried about their future as much as you are. Understanding this shared experience is a key part of reassuring yourself.
Here is a quick look at common worries versus the reality:
| Common Worry | The Reality | How to Handle It | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Failing at a career | Most people change paths | Focus on learning | | Ending up alone | Relationships take time | Nurture friendships | | Making the wrong choice | There are no perfect choices | Trust your instincts |Reminding yourself of these realities can help ease your mind.
7 You Should Enjoy the Moment
Don't get so obsessed with your future that you forget to enjoy the present. You deserve to be happy now, not just later. Do things that you love to do, spend time with friends, and just enjoy life. There's no reason to put off your happiness. Today is just as good a day as tomorrow to have fun. If you find your mind wandering again, remember the advice in the first point and stay grounded.
Instead of sitting around worrying about your future, enjoy your day. There's no reason to stress over something that you can't change, and if you can change it, go out and be productive! To further explore mindfulness techniques, visit Mindful.org for practical exercises. What are you looking forward to the most about your future?