What Do People Think? Don't Worry

Are you always doubting decisions? Do you agonize over other people's reactions to your behaviors or opinions?

I will share some tips and tricks to help you stop worrying about what people think of you in this blog. Discover how to use constructive criticism to your advantage. Then, sort out negative judgments.

This will leave you with less anxiety and overwhelm. So you can remain more focused on yourself and the best way to achieve goals.

Let's get started.

Do People's Opinions Hold You Back?

Stressing over what others think and feel about you is a normal part of our DNA. We are programmed to seek others' approval.

Studies show there is a reward center that is activated when receiving a compliment. Even if you sense other people's recognition of your hard work, your brains fire up those same reward centers.

So, we feel good about ourselves when we are accepted. Yet, we cannot always be acknowledged and adored by everyone all the time.

Problems begin when we start pivoting our lives to suit others' expectations. We give them power over our lives and how we should live. Thus, we lose out on being who we genuinely are.

After that, things go downhill and spiral out of control. Being stuck in that mindset can be destructive to you and those around you.

Going down this unproductive path, you will be leaving a trail of destruction in your wake. Your job will be affected, relationships sabotaged, and your self-esteem will undoubtedly take a hit.

How Do I Prevent Worry About What Others Think?

Carry out some soul searching. Does it feel like your reality has changed? Have you started to consider other people's versions of who you are instead of the real you?

Then, it is time to step up and take some action. You owe it to yourself to reveal the real you to the world. They have no idea who they are missing!

Four simple but effective ways to help you break this vicious cycle:

1.    Focus on What Is Important

Has someone said something unkind about you? Instead of letting it fester, do not let it go to your head.

Chances are, that person will not remember what they said in about fifteen minutes. Plus, anything they say reflects who they are as a person. If you think about it, it has not a lot to do about you.

In other words, their perception of you comes from them. And you are not in charge of how they think or what they believe, neither can you change it. So, why waste your time worrying over something you have no control over anyway?

Instead, feed that energy into something more productive. You can learn a new skill, pick up an old hobby or take a class. Whatever it is, make sure it is an event you love.

Some things more worthy of your time:

• Dine at that restaurant you have been dying to try.
• Help at an animal shelter or a food bank
• Hold the door open for someone.
• Smile at the barista serving your coffee.
• Spend quality time with friends and family.
• Surround yourself with encouraging and supportive people.
• Take a walk through the park.

2.    Highlight Your Accomplishments

Women have all been through challenging times in our lives, some more than others. At the same time, we have all accomplished one thing or another.

It does not need to be some complicated or extravagant thing. It just needs to mean something to you, like filing your taxes on time or making home-cooked meals for an entire week. Be pleased with yourself and all the work you put into it.

Please write down the accomplishment and hang it up on your refrigerator or mirror. Every time you glance At of one of your triumphs, say to yourself, "I did that!" Speak it again and again until your subconscious takes it in.

Another way to boost confidence is to practice saying affirmations or positive statements. They help build your self-esteem and improve the way you view yourself.

Statements to get you inspired:

• I am blessed and appreciative of everyone and everything in my life.
• I am worthy of all good things.
• I cannot control what happens, but I can control my reaction to them.
• My ideas are great.
• My self-confidence is on the rise.

3.    Train Yourself to See the Positive

Our brains naturally see negatives. We blame others, complain, and dwell on things. That stops now!

You can retrain thoughts to be positive. But not in an unsuspecting, immature way, in a healthful, practical way. As a consequence, you come to be less anxious and more resilient.

This works out if you think more objectively, especially when it comes to your blind spots.

Women all have them. Some are better at recognizing and improving than others. Why can't that be you?

List 10 things that trouble you about yourself. Then, set realistic goals to modify them. Reward yourself every time you accomplish a set goal.

Start small. Work at your pace. The point is to feel great about yourself, not overwhelm or burden you—it kind of defeats the purpose.

4.    Practice Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques are becoming popular because people realize the significance of self-care. These methods aim at reducing stress levels and improving your overall health. They also teach you the value of savoring the present.

When you focus on today, you stop worrying about the past or what may occur in the future. These techniques also help you stop fretting about what individuals think about you.

The good thing about them is that you can do them everywhere. If you start to worry, remind yourself that you could be overreacting. In all likelihood, your colleagues are not judging you as ruthlessly as you think they are.

Take a slow deep breath and concentrate on anything around you: your teacup, a cloud, your nails. Anything that can drive your thoughts to the present moment will do the trick!

Then, you will notice that your pulse and heart rate are slowing down. Your anxiety will start to recede, and you will realize you do not care about what people think as much anymore.

Check out these great relaxation methods. Do a couple of them as you read my blogs.

• Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants, flowers, herbs, or trees as a complementary health approach. Essential oils are most often used by inhalation or applying a diluted form to the skin. Aromatherapy utilizes many essential oils, including Roman chamomile, geranium, lavender, tea tree, lemon, ginger, cedarwood, and bergamot.
• Controlled breathing - When a person is relaxed, they breathe slowly, evenly, and gently through their nose. Purposefully duplicating a relaxed breathing pattern appears to calm the nervous system that controls the body's involuntary functions.

           Controlled breathing causes physiological responses including:

• steady levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood
• enhanced immune system operation
• heightened feelings of calm and wellbeing.
• increased physical energy
• lowered blood pressure and heart rate
• reduced lactic acid build-up in muscle tissue
• reduced stress hormone levels in the blood

• Meditating on God's word - Many women pray to God and read the Bible to ease their anxiety.

Here is a shortlist of some Scripture verses that you may find helpful:

• Psalm 119:143
• James 1: 2-4
• Philippians 4:6
• Matthew 6:34
• Exodus 14:14
• Luke 21:19

• Physical activity - During exercise, your body releases chemicals that enhance your mood and make you feel more peaceful. This helps you deal with stress and lower your risk of depression. Regular physical activity can help prevent and handle stress. This also helps to relax your muscles and improve your mood. So get active:

• Aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity — try going for a bike ride or taking a walk
• Do strengthening exercises — like push-ups or lifting weights — at least two days a week

Keep in mind, any amount of physical activity is better than none!