Are you a worrywart at the workplace?

"Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” is the familiar song penned by musician Bobby McFerrin. It is a positive song with such a basic message that we should all just adopt this philosophy in our day-to-day life. However, when one establishes a habit of worrying it can be hard to shake.

While stress is a factor in everyone’s life, many of the most stressful events are related to the workplace. In fact, workplace stress costs U.S. employers an estimated $200 million per year, according to Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Business leaders, in particular, carry a great deal of stress that can become toxic. A worrier executive worries not only about his or her mistakes but of others as well. Executives worry that their worrying can impact their employees and make their employees worry, which impacts their focus and productivity, and in turn can make everyone worry about their job.

Whew! Exhausting, isn’t it?

An article in Fast Company recently discussed the topic of business leaders and worrying in the workplace. Simma Lieberman, an executive coach and self-proclaimed former worrier, shared a bit of her advice to help reduce worrying.

1. Time spent worrying is time you can use to seek solutions for some of the issues you have been worrying about. (In other words, stop worrying and do something about it!).

2. Worrying over people, places, and things, you can’t control is a waste of time and doesn’t allow you to take action where you do have control.

3. Learn how to use relaxation techniques to stay calm in stressful situations. For example: make time for leisure activities, get enough sleep, exercise.

And although this may not work for everyone – if you indulge in some tasty treats every so often it may help melt worries away.

Sources: Fast Company, Fairleigh Dickinson University

Tell us, what are your techniques to reduce worrying?