Trick Your Mind calm

Women's Health p.159 (July/August 2014)

Wouldn't it be nice if there were an off switch for anxious thoughts? Develop one using these simple strategies from Robert London, M.D., a psychiatrist in New York City.

cut it out
Imagine a movie screen with a line down the center; envision what's irking you on the left side wash over the left. "Anxiety is often incompatible with a pleasant feeling," says London.

slim down
A 10-item to-do list = brain freeze. make a separate list with two things you can check off. There: peace and accomplishment.

fly,fly away
Imagine your tension is in the basket of a hot-air balloon; watch as it floats away. "This can reduce anxiety by up to 90 percent," says London.