Alexandra Tanner's debut novel "Worry" delves into the complexities of sisterhood and the struggles of being in one's 20s, portraying the love, anxieties, and truths between two sisters. Tanner discusses the intense emotional dynamics of sibling relationships, the portrayal of motherhood in the book, and the choice to set the story in 2019, capturing the pre-pandemic era's sense of impending change. Ultimately, she hopes to convey to current 20-somethings that despite the challenges, they will endure and make it through.
Anxiety is often misunderstood as it is distinct from worry and fear. It leads us to overestimate the likelihood of unlikely events and underestimate our ability to cope with them. Unlike fear, anxiety arises from vague and future-oriented threats, causing us to focus on worst-case scenarios. Avoiding anxiety-provoking situations actually intensifies our fears. Understanding the differences between anxiety and worry is crucial for managing anxiety effectively.
Sleep anxiety is a type of anxiety where individuals worry about not getting enough rest, leading to difficulty falling asleep or having a sound sleep. Signs of sleep anxiety include constantly checking the clock, excessive worry about not getting enough sleep, ruminating about the proper time to fall asleep, obsessing about rest, and fearing the struggle to fall asleep. This anxiety can result in heightened stress and impact daily functioning.
Loving a woman who worries can be challenging, but understanding her triggers, redirecting her thoughts, offering alternatives, and suggesting therapy can help. It's important to avoid dismissing her worries or picking at her, and instead provide empathy and support. Recognizing her moments of calm and giving her space when needed can also contribute to a lasting and loving relationship.
Parenting expert and neuropsychologist Taryn Marie Stejskal suggests that the key to raising resilient children is to teach them how to "worry well." Instead of removing worry from their lives, parents should give children tools to manage anxiety and fear. Stejskal recommends setting aside time for "worry sessions," creating a worry box or jar, imagining worst and best-case scenarios, and reinforcing positive outcomes. By doing so, children can learn to manage their worries and become more confident and resilient.
