This is why you need to stop future tripping now

It is my greatest talent: completely flipping out about things that haven't happened yet and probably never will. Research shows that 85 percent of the things we worry about never happen. Yet we waste a lot of time on these unnecessary worries on a daily basis. Psychologist Sasha Hamdani calls this phenomenon future tripping and it means exactly what you think: you are literally tripping about the future that hasn't happened yet. A good time to stop this is as soon as possible, because future tripping brings nothing positive.

Future tripping is an anticipatory anxiety about wanting to avoid feelings of fear or panic. So you are actually already worrying about the fact that you might have to worry about a certain situation that is not currently relevant. This is because we do not want to feel the feelings that come with unpleasant situations. We are programmed to avoid feelings of disgust, anger, shame, regret, humiliation, or overwhelm as much as possible. Your brain thinks it has control over this by anticipating those unpleasant feelings that might come, but all you are really doing is driving yourself crazy without having a discernible reason for it.

People who worry too much about future problems often feel tense or restless, have difficulty concentrating, are more easily fatigued and irritable, often suffer from muscle tension, and sleep poorly. Ironically, they are experiencing all the feelings in the moment that they are trying to avoid in the future. This form of prolonged stress and worry can severely damage your overall health, says Dr. Sasha Hamdani. Your body releases too much cortisol as a result, which can raise sugar and fat levels. This continuous overload of cortisol can lead to complications such as memory problems, stomach issues, sleep problems, weak immunity, high blood pressure, and sometimes even heart attacks.

To ensure that your most recent freak-out about the future is your last, she offers a few tips:

1. Prioritize sleep
Make sure you get enough rest and sleep at least eight hours a night because lack of sleep can worsen feelings of anxiety. Also, try to drink less coffee.

2. Stay active
Regular physical activity, even just 15 to 30 minutes a day, can alleviate anxiety symptoms by regulating your body.

3. Practice mindfulness 
Use calming tools such as meditation, deep breathing, or creative activities to stay present in the moment. This way, you are automatically less focused on the future.

4. Shift your focus
Distract yourself from troubling thoughts by planning fun activities with the people you love. This is also a great way to stay in the moment.

4. Self-compassion
Treat yourself as you would treat a friend: with understanding and compassion. Positive affirmations can also help change your mindset.

Source: Psychology Today