[mancerayder]

Try evaluating theoretical events with a probability rating. It doesn't have to be crazy specific, for example: you're worried about your boss being mad at you and firing you next week because you heard there might be some layoffs. Real threat, uncertainty, the worst of it. You ask, is there a greater than 50 pct chance or less than 50 pct chance that this can happen? It's not meant to be scientific, only build perspective. And also it helps acknowledge that the threats ARE real, without letting them suffocate.

Another way to build perspective is to triage between something you have control over (test coming up: well, one can study more) versus something you don't (I'm really worried about the storm they're talking about on Saturday).

The brain likes to loop and build habits. Building perspective consciously when you sense the negative thoughts is one way to 'exercise' the mind to build habits to have better perspective.

[sjg007]

I always keep the frame of mind that you cannot really predict if you will be subject to a lay off or if you will get hit by a car walking down the street. And if you could predict it, then why not apply for another job if you think it will happen! So it's a very unlikely possibility.