There has never been a better time for worry. We have problems everywhere with the Iraqi war, potential terrorism and an unstable economy.

According to the news, we are seeing more businesses closing down, more home foreclosures and more people going broke. They say we have less confidence and greater anxiety.

Add in work problems or marriage problems and you get ANXIETY.

You worry about everything, big things, little things, imaginary things

You are afraid of making mistakes

You find it hard to make decisions

You feel nervous for no reason

You feel dizzy or weak or tired

You imagine the worst

Your body is tense

You sleep poorly

1. You visit your doctor and get a prescription for some anti-anxiety medication. After a few weeks, you feel calmer.

However, you dislike adding chemicals to your body. You don’t want the side effects. You hate needing a drug for your happiness.

2. You visit your local bar or liquor cabinet. After a drink or two you also feel calm.

Alcohol has the same disadvantages. You worry about your liver or alcoholism. You hate hangovers. You wish your happiness did not come from a bottle.

3. You go to a hypnotist or buy "subliminal" tapes that give you commands while you sleep.

If you can go under, you feel calmer after the sessions.

But again, you hate not being in control of your feelings, good or bad. Your anxiety comes back in new forms. You wonder what other commands the hypnotist gave to you.

By making one easy change in your lifestyle, you can cut out a significant amount of stress and anxiety. All you do is stop listening to the Merchants (sellers, distributors) of Chaos (disorder, confusion).

"It is to their [the Chaos Merchants’] interest to make the environment seem as threatening as possible for only then can they profit."

"Look over a newspaper. Is there anything good on the front page? Rather there is murder and sudden death, disagreement and catastrophe. And even that, bad as it is, is sensationalized to make it seem worse." — L. Ron Hubbard

Anyone who profits from the suffering of others becomes a Chaos Merchant if they seek to increase their income or popularity by making the world seem worse than it is.

For example, a politician makes crime seem like a bigger problem than anyone ever thought it was. He promises to fight crime better than his opponent. He wins if he scares enough people.

An arms dealer tells one country, "This country has secretly purchased some bombs and has pointed them at you. You need to buy some bombs and point them at their capital."

Certain lawyers are Chaos Merchants. For example, they say, "A friend of mine in the District Attorney’s office told me they are going to investigate you and want to put you in jail. I can probably keep you out of jail, but my retainer is $75,000."

Of course, newspapers, news magazines and television news make the most money by spreading as much bad news as possible. The more terrifying the news, the more people will watch their television news or buy their papers and magazines. They make us think we have to listen to them to protect ourselves.

1. Stop reading newspapers and news magazines. Just completely cut out the news in your life.

Instead, read an interesting book.

2. Stop watching the news on television. How does it help you or anyone to know about deaths, danger and catastrophes?

Instead, watch an upbeat show or take a walk.

3. Avoid people who like to pass on disturbing "news."

Instead, spend time with people who like to pass on cheerful news.

4. After 7-10 days, notice how you have been feeling.

5. If you are not sure if the chaos merchants really have any effect on you, do the above steps for 7-10 days. And then go back and read the newspapers, watch the news and listen to disturbing people for a few days. Notice how you feel now.

Nearly everyone who breaks off all association with Chaos Merchants notices benefits like these.

* You find other parts of your life are more interesting.

* You notice your life feels less dangerous.

* You eat better and sleep better.

* You laugh more easily.

* You are less afraid.

* You feel healthier.

* You feel calmer.