Reader’s Digest UK – August 2019

organisations for different therapies.

But you’ve got to want to change.

What tips can you offer to alleviate

anxiety? Ask empowering questions. I

say to myself, “What would a warrior

do?” and the answer’s there instantly.

Practise gratitude—it can turn a

negative mindset into a positive one.

We have 60,000 thoughts a day and if

you’re a worrier, the majority will be

negative. Instead, at the end of the

day, pick out the good bits in it and

say thank you for them.

How can people remain free of

worry in the long term? Have a plan

that works for you. If I have a couple of

days when I’ve not been right, I create

a nice atmosphere by putting a candle

on and doing some guided

meditation—just something to stay in

that moment and acknowledge I’m

feeling that way. Learn as much as you

can and try to understand yourself. n

Visit beawarrior.co.uk for more details

Ask The Expert: Worry

How did you become an expert in
overcoming anxiety? I’ve been a
qualified life coach for 12 years and
have worked in HR management
using those skills. I also have first-
hand experience of overcoming severe
anxiety. I completely understand what
my clients are going through and they
know I understand.

When does worry become
unhealthy? When it becomes extreme
and habitual. Everyday negative
thoughts, flat mood, constantly pre-
empting something bad when
everything is actually fine will affect
the decisions you make, your ability to
enjoy the moment, to look forward to
things, and to grow personally.

How easy is it to overcome?
It depends on the severity. I was
paralysed by anxiety for six months
and had to get professional help. If it’s
a light habit, it’s easy to break. There’s
so much that’s free—you can go to
your GP; you can be referred to

Hayley Silk

AUGUST 2019 • 49

READER’S DIGEST

Hayley Silk is a life coach and author of the award-winning

self-help book, Be a Warrior, Not a Worrier