“That the birds of worry and care fly over your head, this you cannot change, but that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent.”

– Chinese Proverb

Why Worry?

Stop Coping and Start Living

Written by scientist and ex-anxiety sufferer Kathryn Tristan. Published by Beyond Words/Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

“This book not only inspires you to move beyond your fears, it provides simple and concrete ways to do it.” – CATHY TURNER, Two Time Olympic Gold Medalist

“Just what the doctor ordered for all those who suffer from the devastating effects of constant worry and fear. Written by a compassionate scientist who has overcome the problem herself, Why Worry? offers instantly accessible solutions that really work!”

– CHRISTIANE NORTHRUP, M.D., Author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom

About Why Worry?

We all worry. It’s a natural part of living. A biologically built-in mechanism, worry was designed to help us. Where do we go wrong? For millions worldwide, worries are eating away at our sense of security, our feelings of well-being and ultimately downsizing our happiness while supersizing our stress. We cannot open a newspaper, turn on television, listen to the radio, or surf the internet without witnessing chaos, catastrophes, or just plain old bad news. We are worried about our jobs, our families, our relationships, just about everything.

COVID-19: Update and note from Kathryn:

The current COVID-19 pandemic  has robbed many of a sense of safety and security and has radically supersized our stresses and worries. We wonder how we will get through this. As days progress, we may become emotionally and spiritually drained. That’s why now, more than ever, we need practical and effective strategies to help us deal with our escalating challenges. Dr. Robert Schuller once said, “Tough times never last, but tough people do!”

Our thoughts can profoundly impact our immune systems, both biological and psychological. It’s important to keep that “tough” mental attitude in order to bolster both. See my blog for ideas and strategies that really can help you during this difficult time.

1. Take a “Bad” News Break. Keep up with what you need to know. But, saturating your mind with daily doom does not help you remain peaceful.

2. Stop Terribilizing. The number one mistake we make is dwelling on what’s wrong about our life and worst case scenarios. Don’t focus on the challenge, focus on your ability to bounce back. Don’t focus on what you can’t do, focus on what you can.

3. Start Possibilizing. Learn to switch a negative mindset into one that creates positive possibilities. You’ll handle whatever you need to handle now and in the future.  Create affirmations and post them around the house. “This, too, shall pass!” “I’ll handle it, always have and always will.” “Inch by inch, life’s a cinch!”

4. Create a Sweet Spot between Routine & Variety. Scientific studies show that people do better with a routine. Build a new one that fits your current lifestyle, but also vary your days and routines such as exercise, take walks, learn something new, organize.

5. Turn on your “Happy Genes.” You may not feel that you have much to be happy about right now, but the new science of “epigenetics” discovered that your body responds to your thoughts. When you think happy thoughts and feel joyful, your body responds by turning on your happy genes. Insist on your right to be happy and nurture yourself. Set boundaries and take time out for your own needs.

“Why Worry: Stop Coping and Start Living” Synopsis

The book Why Worry? by scientist and ex-anxiety sufferer Kathryn Tristan tackles this problem head on and provides simple, effective, battle-tested solutions that really work. Learn how to reset your over-worrying mind into peacefulness in less than 5 minutes (“5 minute mental marinade”) and the three steps, “Stop-Look-Listen,” that can stop an anxiety attack.

Kathryn Tristan, a scientist and author of more than 300 articles in scientific and lay publications and an international speaker, used to be a chronic worrier. She developed severe anxiety and couldn’t leave her home town for more than 20 years. She also trembled at having to cross bridges or ride elevators. She read most books on the subject, studied the scientific literature, and took medications hoping to find the answer that would cure her, but nothing seemed to work.

Finally, she discovered how to turn her life around. It was so simple, so elegant and so practical. Anyone could do the same. Now in Why Worry? she shares the secrets of her success, describes new science that shows how we can retrain our brains, turn on our happy genes and learn easy, yet powerful tools and strategies to help worriers turn their lives around. Don’t wait…help yourself now!